[Untitled woodblock print of an Ichikawa family kabuki actor]

US$1,800.00

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[Untitled woodblock print of an Ichikawa family kabuki actor]

[Katsukawa], Shunjō [illustrated by].

[Japan: publisher unidentified, ca. An'ei to Tenmei period (1778-1787)].

A hosoban woodblock print by the Edo period artist Katsukawa Shunjō (active c. 1778-1787), possibly depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Aoto Gorō. The figure stands alert in the softly falling snow, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword while the other holds an umbrella. Despite the freezing weather his kimono is adorned with momiji (maple) leaves, a symbol of autumn. A pupil of the celebrated Katsukawa Shunshō, Shunjō was only active as an artist for roughly a decade between 1778 and 1787. His prints are consequently scarcer than those of many Katsukawa School artists and are comparatively underrepresented in museum and public collections. A beautiful image which is, upon closer inspection, filled with quiet tension.

One hosoban leaf, woodblock-printed on one side. Discolouration, trimming, and small creases. Minor wear and browning to extremities. Small washi repair and mounting paper residue to verso. 30.2 x 13.3 cm.

[Untitled woodblock print of an Ichikawa family kabuki actor]
Price: $1,800.00 (USD)