1815-25 Kabuki Actor Portraits & Playbill "The Soga Brothers' Revenge" By Utagawa Kunisada

Good antique condition overall. There is some insect damage consistent with age, along with very minimal staining and light water marks. The colors remain vivid and the printed lines sharp, preserving the visual appeal and historical value of the work.

This original Edo-period illustrated Kabuki book was designed by Utagawa Kunisada during the late Bunka to early Bunsei era, approximately 1815–1825. Created before the artist adopted the name Toyokuni III, the work represents an early example of Kunisada's theatrical printmaking during the formative years of his career.

The volume is devoted entirely to Soga Mono (曾我物), the famous cycle of plays based on the story of the Soga brothers, one of the most enduring revenge tales in Japanese history. The illustrations correspond to scenes from Kotobuki Soga no Taimen (寿曽我対面), one of the most celebrated Kabuki adaptations of the legend.

The story centers on the brothers Soga Gorō and Soga Jūrō, who dedicate their lives to avenging the murder of their father. Their tale became one of the most popular themes in Kabuki theater and remained a staple of New Year performances for centuries.

The book preserves an impressive cast of some of the greatest actors of the Edo period, including:

• Matsumoto Kōshirō V as Yahata Saburō.
• Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Kudo Suketsune.
• Ichimura Uzaemon XI as Soga Gorō Tokimune.
• Ichikawa Aragorō as Kobayashi Asahina.
• Bandō Mitsugorō III and Nakamura Utaemon III associated with the role of Lady Maizuru.
• Onoe Kikugorō III as the famous courtesan Oiso no Tora.

An especially interesting feature is the presence of hand-brushed actor identifications written by a historical owner across the upper margins, connecting the printed characters to the performers who portrayed them on stage. The volume also retains its colophon page with flowing kuzushiji text and official publisher marks from the Edo publishing house responsible for its production.

Works of this type served as both souvenirs and reference books for Kabuki enthusiasts, allowing audiences to relive famous performances and follow the careers of their favorite actors.

A fascinating and historically significant example of early nineteenth-century Kabuki publishing, combining the artistry of Kunisada with the enduring popularity of the Soga brothers legend. Suitable for collectors of Japanese theater, actor prints, and Edo-period illustrated books.