Famous Actors at the Shintomi Theater, 1879 - Fantastic portrait of a group of kabuki actors at the Shintomiza or Shintomi Theater in Tokyo engaged in a neck-pulling contest. The theater held a gala night in July 1879 to celebrate the visit to Japan of former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, who appears sitting on a chair at lower right wearing striped pants, a black coat over a vest, and a top hat. The actors sit in pairs facing each other, a colored sash tied around each of their necks in this unusual contest of strength much like a tug-of-war. The players grimace and scowl, one man even scratching his head. The actors wear traditional Japanese dress with the exception of a man at bottom left, who, wears a long black coat over a vest and pants. A fascinating and unusual subject with expressive figures and vibrant color.

Artist - Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 18 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few repairs, wrinkling throughout. Please see photos for details.