The Okina Dance (Okina-watashi)

by Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901)

Current Status

The Okina Dance (Okina-watashi) by Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901)

Original Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Okina Dance (Okina-watashi)

Series; Annual Events of the Theatrical Year in Great Edo, 1897

Annual Events of the Theatrical Year in Great Edo - Terrific woodblock from a series featuring designs by Adachi Ginko and Torii Kiyosada depicting theatrical events throughout the year in Edo. These beautifully detailed scenes include special dances or performances marking the start of the season or in conjunction with annual festivals, actors paying New Year's calls, raucous fan clubs, quiet ceremonies, and lively views both inside and outside the theater. Each features an embossed border in a variety of intricate patterns, and some designs feature deluxe printing techniques such as burnishing and mica. Several images from this series are illustrated in the recent book "Heroes of the Kabuki Stage" by Arendie and Henk Herwig, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts has many prints from the series in its collection. These colorful designs provide a wonderful first-hand look at the enormous popularity of kabuki theater in old Edo.

Special detail - Burnishing on the black court caps, silver mica on the purple pants.

Artist - Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Beautifully printed with excellent color and detail as shown, and full margins. A few prints have slight toning or a few spots at edges. Please see photos for details. Generally in very nice condition overall.

The Okina Dance (Okina-watashi) by Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901)
The Okina Dance (Okina-watashi) by Torii Kiyosada (1844 - 1901)