Onoe Kikugoro III as the Nurse Masaoka, 1860 - Fantastic large head portrait of Onoe Kikugoro III as the loyal nursemaid Masaoka in a play based on the true story of the contested Date Clan succession in the 17th century. Charged with protecting the young heir to the clan, she watches, aghast, as her son is mistakenly poisoned in the heir's place. Her eyes are wide and her mouth agape as she stares to the side, clutching at the collar of her black floral outer kimono. Her hair is smoothed back into a matronly style, adorned with a simple wooden ornament, and her red under robe features a beautiful burnished geometric pattern. A poignant and expressive image, in rich jewel tones with fine embossed detail in the white kimono trim. In absolutely beautiful condition with clean crisp printing and vibrant color. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

A rare reprint of this terrific Edo masterwork design. This print is beautifully printed on fine handmade paper with excellent color emulating the original.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.