{"product_id":"meiji-1880s-kabuki-triptych-shinpan-kyogen-hanakurabe-by-toyohara-kunichika-approximately-75x38cm","title":"Meiji 1880s Kabuki Triptych \"Shinpan Kyōgen Hanakurabe\" by Toyohara Kunichika (Approximately 75X38CM)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"511\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eVery good antique condition. A solid backing was added at some point in the past, permanently joining the three sheets. There is very minor insect damage consistent with age, but no noticeable creases. The colors remain vivid, the woodblock impressions are sharp, and the triptych displays exceptionally well. Measures approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"510\"\u003e75 × 38 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"864\"\u003eThis original Meiji-period woodblock triptych was designed during the 1880s by \u003cstrong data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"633\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eToyohara Kunichika\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. Titled \u003cstrong data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"723\"\u003e新板狂言 花競 (\u003cem data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"680\"\u003eShinpan Kyōgen Hanakurabe\u003c\/em\u003e – \"New Kabuki Play: Contest of Flowers\")\u003c\/strong\u003e, it celebrates a contemporary Kabuki performance through richly detailed costumes, expressive actor portraits, and brilliant color printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"866\" data-end=\"1274\"\u003eThe central figure portrays \u003cstrong data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"935\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eIchikawa Danjūrō IX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e in the leading role, distinguished by dramatic white theatrical makeup and an elaborate floral costume. He is flanked by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1075\"\u003eSekizaki Ayase\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1108\"\u003eKochō Sagami\u003c\/strong\u003e on the right, whose butterfly-wing costumes and peony branches create an elegant composition inspired by the beauty of flowers and the spectacle of the Kabuki stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003eThroughout the 1880s, Kunichika produced numerous actor triptychs commemorating newly staged Kabuki productions in Tokyo. Sold as theatrical souvenirs, these large-format prints preserved the performances of Japan's greatest actors while documenting the elaborate costumes, makeup, and stage designs that defined Meiji-period Kabuki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003eKunichika's mature style is evident in the powerful facial expressions, vibrant imported aniline pigments, and richly patterned textiles that fill the composition. By combining dramatic portraiture with decorative floral motifs, he transformed scenes from the theater into striking works of art that remain among the finest examples of late nineteenth-century \u003cem data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003eyakusha-e\u003c\/em\u003e (actor prints).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2223\"\u003eAn outstanding original Meiji Kabuki triptych by Kunichika, combining legendary performers, spectacular costume design, and the bold theatrical style that made him the foremost designer of actor prints during the Meiji era\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Echoes of Edo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49308927230211,"sku":null,"price":15000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/5965\/1587\/files\/IMG_7647.jpg?v=1784719521","url":"https:\/\/echoesofedo.com\/products\/meiji-1880s-kabuki-triptych-shinpan-kyogen-hanakurabe-by-toyohara-kunichika-approximately-75x38cm","provider":"Echoes of Edo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}