Series; Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles
Ichikawa Chusha VII as Taju no Takechi Mitsuhide, 1926 - Fantastic kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Chucha as the treacherous warrior Takechi Mitsuhide, based on the real-life Akechi Mitsuhide, who betrayed his master, Oda Nobunaga. He strikes a bold pose, lifting his sedge hat above his face as he arrogantly stares ahead with an expression of disdain. He wears a straw raincoat over an intricately patterned kimono and armor, his thick waving hair worn loose. His red and blue stage makeup adds to his imposing presence. The figure is set off by a sparkling silver mica background. Includes deep embossing on the white kimono trim. A great image, beautifully composed, fully capturing the depth and intensity of the actor's performance. This subject comes from Shunsen's "Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles," a series lavishly published by Watanabe in a limited edition of only 150 prints.
Publisher - Watanabe
Sealed - With artist's seal "Shunsen" in subject, and red "Natori" artist's seal of approval at lower left
Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Image Size - 14 3/4" x 10" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Drying hole in top left corner. One tiny faint spot. Please see photos for details. Extremely nice condition overall.
