Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786-1865)
A portrait of the famous actor Nakamura Utaemon IV (1796-1852) in his last stage performance as the poet Ôtomo no Kuronushi - one of the Rokkasen, the six canonical poets of the 9th century. Shini-e (memorial print), issued in the year of his death.
Title: Ôtomo Kuronushi
Signature: Toyokuni ga, in Toshidama cartouche
Publisher: Kamaya Kihei (Kamaki), Ryôgoku, Edo
Censors: Fuku, Muramatsu
Date: 1852, 2nd (intercalary) month
Size: Vertical Chûban, 25.2 x 18.3 cm
Excellent impression and colours, with lustre printing in the dress. Minimally creased, else excellent condition.
Very rare. From an untitled series of half-size commemorative portraits of Nakamura Utaemon IV (Marks P6060). The Chûban format was not very much used for actor portraits in Edo, quite contrary to Ôsaka.
sold