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a.imagelink {color:#0000FF;} a:hover.imagelink {color:#0000FF;} a:visited.imagelink {color:#800080;} a.imagelink img.saleimage { border: 2px solid #0000FF; } a:visited.imagelink img.saleimage { border: 2px solid #800080; } Antique Japanese Original Woodblock Print by Toyohara Kunichika -Child Playing with Noh Masks- c.1895
Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print by the renowned Meiji-period artist Toyohara Kunichika (1835 - 1900).
The print presented depicts a child performing some exercises. Next to the child lay several items that can give us a clue - two masks, very similar to theater Noh masks, a broken fan, a flute and a drum with sticks. The child is playing the role of an actor in the Noh theater - the drum is a taiko drum. Along with the flute, they are part of the Noh theater musical ensemble.
The print is a part of a series of 12 prints depicting various children's activities - playing, sleeping, eating, and even misbehaving. Kunichika created this series near the end of his life. It is a delicate, intimately drawn thing, quite unlike the brashness or drama of his theatre prints, and has a real delicacy and beauty that are very moving.
One of the great masters of ukiyo-e, Toyohara Kunichika (豊原国周, 1835-1900) was inspired by the plays, actors, and customs of Kabuki theatre. His colorful prints are records of a long-lost, decadent underworld of Edo. As a young man, he studied with the ukiyo-e artist Chikanobu, from whom he received his artist name. He then apprenticed under Kunisada and began to produce actor prints.
He was born Oshima Yasohachi on June 30, 1835, in Edo, and was the son of a bathhouse owner. At 13, he apprenticed under Utagawa Kunisada, developing a passion for Kabuki theater. Most of his prolific woodblock prints were commissioned by Kabuki theaters. Privately, he was known for his indulgent lifestyle, including heavy drinking and womanizing. Today, art historians regard him as the "last master of ukiyo-e."
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during the artist's lifetime.
AUTHOR: Toyohara Kunichika
TITLE: Child Playing with Noh Masks
CREATED: c.1895
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1890s
PRINT SIZE: Full oban size 14.5" X 9.75"
Condition: good impression, slight toning, some minor rubbing and soiling. Pinholes at the corners from wall mounting. Good condition overall - please see pictures for the details
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