Toyohara Kunichika : Onoe Kikugoro, acting as a Samurai. An original colour woodblock print

Japan, Undated, c.late 19th century. Fine Condition. An attractive and bright original colour woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), 24cm wide x 37cm tall. Provenance : Originally sold by The Japanese Gallery, London. Toyohara Kunichika was a Japanese woodblock print artist. His talent emerged early, and at the age of thirteen, he became a student of TokyoÔÇÖs leading printmaker, Utagawa Kunisada. KunichikaÔÇÖs deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led him to primarily produce yakusha-e, which are woodblock prints of kabuki actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. His work brought the genre known as ukiyo-e, including actors, sumo wrestlers, scenes from folk tales, travel scenes, and landscapes to life in vibrant colors, including rich purples and deep reds. Despite the rise of new artistic mediums, Kunichika remained a champion of ukiyo-e, preserving its genres and aesthetics during the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period. His prints are best known for their dramatic portrayals of actors, capturing their expressions and theatrical presence. Additionally, Kunichika depicted beautiful women (bijinga), scenes from contemporary social life, and a few landscapes and historical events. His legacy as one of the last masters of traditional ukiyo-e print style endures, bridging the gap between two significant periods of social and political change in JapanÔÇÖs history. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PICTURE OF THIS ITEM TO SHOW YOU MORE DETAILS. Size: 24 x 37 cms. Text is in Japanese. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Original Art; Japanese Language; Inventory No: 369270. This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost..