Pamono Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), Kabuki, Original Woodcut, 1840> Old Masters

Kabuki is an original artwork realized in 1840 by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865). from the series “Mitate Yakusha gojusan tsui no uchi” (juxtaposition of actors and the 53 Tokaido stations). Full-length portrait of the actor Matsumoto Koshiro in the role of Bansui Chobei, holding a lantern with his teeth, above river bank at night in Kawasaki. Signed: Kochoro Kunisada ga. Publisher: Sanoya Kihei. Censored by: Kiwame. Excellent impression, glued at upper corners, a little bit soiled, fold. Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (1786 – 1865) was one of the most famous designers of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints from Japan in the 19th century. Burn Sumita Sogoro, at the age of 15-16 years became a part of the Utagawa Toyokuni family and in 1844 he took the male of the master Toyokuni.