Toyohara Kunichika "The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon"

The actor Ichimura Uzaemon from the kabuki play, "A Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms," is shown with a menacing tattoo of a tattoos of a kitsune (fox-woman) or shapeshifter. Prints from this series are distinctive for their silhouette of a festival in the background.

Series: Parody of the Three Kingdoms
Date: 1862
Format: Oban
Condition: Lightly trimmed right side, otherwise excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Ebony

Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) was a prolific woodblock print artist whose works portraying kabuki plays and actors are noted for their use of rich, deep colors.