Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait,  60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)

Framed Toyohara Kunichika Kabuki Actor Woodblock Print, Meiji Era Theatre Portrait, 60 x 48 Cm (23.6 x 18.9 In)

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Framed Japanese woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900), one of the great Meiji-era masters of actor portraiture and kabuki theatre imagery. Kunichika was known for intense colour, dramatic expression and elaborate textile pattern, all of which you see here: three figures in performance dress, one holding an opened fan, surrounded by calligraphic title blocks and areas of saturated blue and red. These kabuki bust portraits and half-length scenes were hugely popular in late 19th century Tokyo, celebrating celebrity actors the way film posters do now.

Colour remains strong, especially the deep indigo robes, the patterned kimono repeats and the crimson background panels. You can also see the classic join line / panel edge which is typical in multi-block kabuki prints from this period. The print is mounted under glass in a simple black frame with an off-white mount, so it’s ready to hang. The back is plywood panelled with later cord for easy display. The look sits perfectly with Japandi and wabi sabi interiors (graphic Japanese colour against limewash, plaster, raw timber), but it also works in a maximalist salon wall or “old money study” mix with travel curios, maps and portraiture.

Overall framed size is approximately 60 cm by 48 cm, which is about 23.6 in by 18.9 in. Vintage condition with light age toning to the paper, expected fold line from the original print handling, and minor handling wear to the contemporary frame that doesn’t affect display.