Memorial Portrait of Bando Shuka I, 1854

Shini-e - Literally meaning "death prints," shini-e are a category of Japanese woodblock commemorating the death of a famous kabuki actor, or less commonly, an artist or musician. These memorial portraits often depict the actor dressed in light blue death robes, or portraying a famous role associated with the individual. Some include verses or death poems along with the actor's age and date of death, or a posthumous Buddhist name. Other conventional iconography includes lotus blossoms or petals, incense burners, and prayer beads. The tragic suicide of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in 1854 at the age of thirty-two resulted in nearly 200 shini-e of the actor. Some shini-e are recycled from earlier kabuki prints with the background blocks recut so they could be rushed into production. Most shini-e are unsigned, although some include the artist's signature. These designs are an interesting area of collecting.

Memorial Portrait of Bando Shuka I, 1854 - Unusual diptych memorial portrait of Bando Shuka I. He kneels at right as he faces Emma-o, the Lord of the Underworld, who prepares to judge him. Behind the deity, three monks appear atop lotus blossoms, one praying and the other two each holding lotus blossoms. At upper right, a line of geese in silhouette flies above the treetops and a pagoda. A handsome design.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 19 5/8" + margin as shown

Condition - Losses, at corners, holes, repaired. Wrinkling throughout right panel, slight rubbing at edge.