Kumokiri Nizaemon — Ukiyo-e woodblock print (1868) - Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Japanese colour woodblock print (ukiyo-e / nishiki-e) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900), depicting the kabuki actor Ōtani Tomoemon V as Kumokiri Nizaemon (雲切仁左衛門).

From the series Zen’aku kijin kagami (善悪鬼人鏡), “Mirror of Demonic People, Good and Evil”, published by Tsunoi (津ノ伊) in 1868.

The composition features an expressive portrait with a striking blue kimono decorated with bold white motifs against a dark background. Particularly attractive details include the finely rendered hair, the intense gaze and the dynamic arrangement of the figure.

The series title, character’s name, printed signature “Kunichika hitsu” (国周筆), and accompanying seals and inscriptions remain visible.

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900).
Country of origin: Japan.
Publication date of the design: 1868.
Publisher: Tsunoi.
Technique: colour woodblock print on paper.
Format: vertical ōban, with trimmed margins.
Sheet dimensions: 34 × 24 cm (height × width).
Signature: printed in the block, not hand-signed.
One sheet, unframed.

Condition: Fair.
Age-related toning and scattered spotting, visible particularly in the face and other light areas. The reverse shows more pronounced brown staining and the image showing through the paper. Small edge nicks and losses, minor creasing and corner wear are present. The margins have been trimmed, partially affecting the upper right title cartouche. The blue retains strong visual impact, and the fine details remain clearly visible.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the reverse and close-ups, as they form part of the description.

Reference:
Another impression of this design is catalogued by the specialist gallery The Art of Japan as “Otani Tomoemon V as Kumokiri Nizaemon”, dated 1868.

Shipping:
The print will be shipped flat.