Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900)

Title: Kabuki Scene featuring Actors Kataoka Gadō II as Shinofuji Genji (foreground) and Iwai Matsunosuke IV as the maiden Ohatsu (background, left)

Date: 1884 (Meiji Period, specifically dated to January of that year)

Dimensions: Standard Ōban tate-e format (approximately 36.5 x 25.0 cm).Medium: Traditional polychrome woodblock print (moku-hanga / nishiki-e).

Description: This print depicts a dramatic passage from Kabuki theater, characteristic of the mature style of Kunichika, who was the most prolific and important woodblock artist of this genre during the Meiji era. The composition emphasizes intense psychological tension expressed through the actors' gazes (yakusha-e). The use of vibrant colors and the elaborate ornamental contrast of the kimonos—featuring floral patterns on the warrior's attire and fine motifs on Ohatsu's—are framed within an autumnal atmosphere suggested by the red and yellow maple leaves (momiji) at the top.

Condition: The actual condition of the ukiyo-e is clearly shown in the images. We recommend reviewing all photos in detail before purchasing.

Toyohara Kunichika is a fundamental artist in the history of Japanese art for the following reasons:The last great master of yakusha-e: He was the ultimate exponent of Kabuki theater actor prints, single-handedly keeping this traditional genre alive against the rise of photography in Japan.Visual chronicler of the Meiji era: He masterfully captured the country's historical transition, blending classic Edo period techniques with the rapid modernization of the late 19th century.Innovative and dramatic compositions: He revolutionized the classic format by creating striking triptychs with hyper-expressive close-ups (ōkubi-e), giving the actors' facial expressions an unprecedented psychological tension.Bold use of color: He pioneered the adoption of new Western synthetic pigments, especially intense aniline red, which became the vibrant, signature chromatic stamp of his later work.