1964 After Sharaku "Actor Otani Oniji as Footman Edobee", Full-Color Print From Japan

Description

An excellent large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Otani Oniji as Footman Edobee" by Toshusai Sharaku. … more An excellent large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Otani Oniji as Footman Edobee" by Toshusai Sharaku. Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Sharaku. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in September, 1964. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 12 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, minor age wear on the cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of the commentary by Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi (below) in Japanese and English is included.

Overall (folded) 12.50"W x 18.25"H
Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.25"H
Image 9.25"W x 14.40"H

Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:
Signature: signed Toshusai Sharaku
Printers: Tsutaya Juzaburo (with a seal)
In the possession of Tokyo National Museum

This in part of the play "Koinyobo Some-Wake Tazuna". There may be a few things to be desired about the way the hands are abruptly raised wide apart. But the powerful expressiveness of Otani Oniji's performance is fully captured in the straight line of his intent mouth and the way he makes a big eye, the eyes tinted red at the corner, as part of the exalted act of posturizing. His expressiveness is reinforced by the color scheme of the yellow ochre stripes on red ground and the green lining and the pink undergarment with black color. This likeness of actor Oniji is not only the best of SHARAKU but offers an intimate view of the Kabuki posturizing. less