1964 After Sharaku "Actor Segawa Kikunojo in the Role of Couresan Katsuragi", Full-Color Print From Japan

Description

A rare flamboyant narrow full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Segawa Kikunojo in the role of Couresan … more A rare flamboyant narrow full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Segawa Kikunojo in the role of Couresan Katsuragi Umegawa" 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 17 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 5.55"W x 12.10"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 Mr. Mikio Mizuta, Tokyo

In his 2nd production period SHARAKU had begun to turn out actors' pictures in narrow sheets. These sheets come in a set of 3 or 5 but are so designed as to be enjoyable separately. This print portrays Segawa Kikunojo as courtesan Umegawa. The limited space of the narrow sheet is filled with the actor's gorgeous figure. The dramatic color scheme captures the gay personal atmosphere of this No. 1 female impersonator of the time. This picture carries a far more flamboyant air, than the other prints. The picture was only recently discovered through the researches by Mr. Teruji Yoshida. A rare piece, and the only one in existance in Japan. less