Katsukawa Shun'ei · 18th-century hosoban · Kabuki actor · Edo period - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 75
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 250 - € 350
 | €75 | |
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Original Edo-period woodblock print (mokuhanga, nishiki-e on washi) by Katsukawa Shun'ei, a hosoban portrait of Kabuki actor Ichikawa Komazō II, circa 1785–1795, Japan; in fair condition.
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Description from the seller
勝川春英 — KATSUKAWA SHUN'EI (1762–1819)
Kabuki Actor in a Samurai Role, identified on the verso as Ichikawa Komazō II (市川高麗蔵)
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e) on Japanese washi
Date: c. 1785–1795
Signature: Shun'ei ga (春英画), with publisher's mark
Format: Hosoban (approx. 31 × 14 cm / 12 × 5.5 in.)
__________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Fair for a print of this age, with some toning, soiling, some ink transfer and minor repairs. This is an antique work, so please check the images carefully..
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The Artist — Katsukawa Shun'ei
Shun'ei was one of the leading pupils of Katsukawa Shunshō, whose studio dominated kabuki prints in Edo in the 1770s and 1780s. After Shunshō, Shun'ei became the school's most important actor designer. He was among the first to make large bust portraits of actors (ōkubi-e), a few years before Sharaku. He was also a major designer of sumo prints. Hosoban, the narrow format used here, was the standard format for Katsukawa actor prints. These sheets were often issued as single figures from multi-sheet compositions showing a scene from a current play.
The Actor — Ichikawa Komazō II
An old inscription on the verso names the actor as Ichikawa Komazō II (1764–1838). He was the son of Matsumoto Kōshirō IV, and in 1801 he took the name Matsumoto Kōshirō V. Under that name he became one of the great villain-role actors of the early 19th century. In the Shun'ei years he was a rising star of the Edo stage, and Shun'ei portrayed him often. Prints of Komazō II by Shun'ei are held by the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MFA Boston and the Harvard Art Museums.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
勝川春英 — KATSUKAWA SHUN'EI (1762–1819)
Kabuki Actor in a Samurai Role, identified on the verso as Ichikawa Komazō II (市川高麗蔵)
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e) on Japanese washi
Date: c. 1785–1795
Signature: Shun'ei ga (春英画), with publisher's mark
Format: Hosoban (approx. 31 × 14 cm / 12 × 5.5 in.)
__________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Fair for a print of this age, with some toning, soiling, some ink transfer and minor repairs. This is an antique work, so please check the images carefully..
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Artist — Katsukawa Shun'ei
Shun'ei was one of the leading pupils of Katsukawa Shunshō, whose studio dominated kabuki prints in Edo in the 1770s and 1780s. After Shunshō, Shun'ei became the school's most important actor designer. He was among the first to make large bust portraits of actors (ōkubi-e), a few years before Sharaku. He was also a major designer of sumo prints. Hosoban, the narrow format used here, was the standard format for Katsukawa actor prints. These sheets were often issued as single figures from multi-sheet compositions showing a scene from a current play.
The Actor — Ichikawa Komazō II
An old inscription on the verso names the actor as Ichikawa Komazō II (1764–1838). He was the son of Matsumoto Kōshirō IV, and in 1801 he took the name Matsumoto Kōshirō V. Under that name he became one of the great villain-role actors of the early 19th century. In the Shun'ei years he was a rising star of the Edo stage, and Shun'ei portrayed him often. Prints of Komazō II by Shun'ei are held by the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MFA Boston and the Harvard Art Museums.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
Katsukawa Shun'ei · 18th-century hosoban · Kabuki actor · Edo period
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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