Toyohara Kunichika "The Actor Sawamura Tanosuke"

The actor Sawamura Tanosuke is shown with a tattoo of a phoenix and a tennyo (heavenly maiden) from the kabuki play "A Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms". The actor has a tobacco pouch slung around his neck. 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: Small tear bottom left margin; 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.