Comments - Intriguing image of Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as the artist Tosa Shurinosuke painting a wave design on a large screen. A student of the master artist Tosa Shogen, Shurinosuke was distraught when a younger student was promoted ahead of him. The humiliated artist decided to commit suicide, but his wife urged him to first paint a self-portrait. The portrait was so lifelike that when Tosa Shogen saw it, he admired his passion and promoted Shurinosuke on the spot, allowing him to use the master name Tosa. here, he concentrates on his work, holding two brushes carefully in one hand as he looks up at the design. His black kimono is detailed with a beautiful burnished checked pattern. A circular inset at upper right shows Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as a middle-aged man looking down with a sorrowful expression. An interesting and kabuki subject with a handsome composition.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Vertical wrinkling. A few repairs, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.