Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) Haiyu mitate Junishi (A Comparison of Actors With The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac): Rat and Ox, 1864. Oban.
Click here for a detailed enlargement.
This print is a rare opportunity to experience a print almost exactly as it would have been when it was first issued. The quality of the printing is outstanding, an early print from the first edition with every refinement in the process. The colours are rich and sumptuous, the condition of the print is as new, the paper is luxurious and the design is from a rare series by Kunichika.
The print represents the actors Nakamura Shikan IV and Bando Mitsuguro matched with signs from the Japanese (Chinese) zodiac. For a fuller discussion of the Japanese zodiac and the representative animals see this post on our Wordpress blog.
A fine print in pristine condition, the bokashi shading on the portrait panes is exceptional, full size, untrimmed.
Signed Kunichika hitsu with Toshidama seal.
37 x 25 cm.
