1869（明治2年）頃 / c. 1869
錦絵・木版 / Nishiki-e woodblock print
大判 / Ōban
Description
This original ukiyo-e actor print by Toyohara Kunichika depicts the celebrated Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorō V in the role of Inaba Kōzō. Museum records identify Kunichika's Kabuki Actors (Onoe Kikugorō / Inaba Kōzō) as a work from 1869 (Meiji 2), originally conceived as part of an ōban-format triptych. Another impression bearing the same actor and role is preserved in the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art.
Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, Kunichika isolates the actor against a deep, almost black interior. Kikugorō appears through the architectural frame of a doorway or partition, one hand gripping its edge as he leans forward. His dark indigo checked kimono, restrained salmon-colored sash, and sharply articulated face create a striking contrast against the shadowed background.
The result is remarkably theatrical: the surrounding darkness works almost like a stage spotlight, concentrating attention on the actor's expression and posture. The vertical cartouche identifies Inaba Kōzō and Onoe Kikugorō, while Kunichika's signature appears at lower left. The cropped, architectural composition gives the print an unusually modern graphic quality while retaining the immediacy of nineteenth-century Kabuki.
Artist
Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) was one of the foremost artists of yakusha-e, or Kabuki actor prints, during the transition from the Edo period into Meiji Japan. He entered the studio of Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) as a teenager and became particularly celebrated for his powerful actor portraits, expressive faces, and sophisticated use of color.
Kunichika remained deeply connected to the Kabuki world and was known for observing actors and their expressions backstage. Today he is regarded as one of the defining ukiyo-e artists of the Meiji period, particularly for his vivid documentation of nineteenth-century Kabuki culture.
Condition
Antique, pre-owned woodblock print with age-related wear, including visible staining, soiling, rubbing, creasing and general deterioration consistent with long-term storage.
Condition as shown in the photographs. Age-related wear consistent with an antique woodblock print. Please examine the photographs carefully before bidding.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available. Each artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped with tracking.
In the unlikely event that the artwork is lost or damaged during transit, we will take responsibility and provide appropriate compensation. Please contact us promptly with photographs and details of the issue.
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost.
If applicable, these charges are determined by your country's customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
豊原国周 / Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900)
Inaba Kōzō Emerging from the Shadows — Onoe Kikugorō V in Early Meiji Kabuki
c. 1869 (Meiji 2)
Nishiki-e woodblock print
Ōban
Artwork Description
This ukiyo-e Kabuki actor print is by Toyohara Kunichika, a leading yakusha-e (actor print) artist from the late Edo to Meiji periods. It depicts the renowned actor Onoe Kikugorō V in the role of Inaba Kōzō.
Museum records indicate that Kunichika's "Kabuki Actors (Onoe Kikugorō / Inaba Kōzō)" dates to 1869 (Meiji 2) and was originally part of an ōban-format triptych. Another impression of "Inaba Kōzō / Onoe Kikugorō" is preserved at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art.
What is particularly striking about this work is its bold use of "darkness."
Kikugorō emerges from what appears to be a door or partition frame, set against an almost black interior. His deep indigo checkered kimono, pale vermilion obi, and the stark white of his face create a powerful contrast against the dark background.
The composition, where the figure appears to float out of the darkness like a stage spotlight, captures a moment of intense theatrical tension through the actor's gaze and posture.
The architectural framing of the figure is also remarkably bold, making this an actor print from over 150 years ago that possesses a sharp, modern graphic quality.
Artist
Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) was an ukiyo-e artist active from the late Edo to Meiji periods, known as a master of yakusha-e (Kabuki actor prints).
He entered the studio of Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) as a teenager and subsequently established a unique style that boldly captured actors' expressions and stage presence. Deeply connected to the Kabuki world, he was known to observe actors' expressions and gestures backstage.
With his vivid colors and powerful depiction of figures, he is now highly regarded as one of the representative ukiyo-e artists of the Meiji period.
Condition
This is an antique, pre-owned woodblock print with age-related wear, including visible staining, soiling, rubbing, creasing, and other deterioration consistent with long-term storage.
Condition is as shown in the photographs. As an antique woodblock print, it exhibits age-appropriate wear. Please examine the photographs carefully before purchasing or bidding.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available. Each artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped with tracking.
In the unlikely event that the artwork is lost or damaged during transit, we will take responsibility and provide appropriate compensation. Please contact us promptly with photographs and details of the issue upon arrival.
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost.
If applicable, these charges are determined by your country's customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
