AFTER UTAGAWA KUNIMASA 歌川国政 (JAPAN, 1773-1810) Kabuki actor Nakamura Noshio II as Sakuramaru A Meiji period recarving A large woodblock print From the album Nippon Mokuhan Ukiyoe Taikan 38,4 x 25 cm Catalogue raisonné: Ukiyo-e shûka 9 (1981), list #1.019 Notes: 1. Utagawa Kunimasa was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist of the Utagawa school. He was originally from Aizu in Iwashiro Province and first worked in a dye shop after arriving in Edo (modern Tokyo). It was there that he was noticed by Utagawa Toyokuni, to whom he became apprenticed. Kunimasa is especially known for his yakusha-e portrait prints of kabuki actors, and for his bijin-ga pictures of beautiful women. Richard Lane described his style as striving to ‘combine the intensity of Sharaku with the decorative pageantry of his master Toyokuni’. 2. This print depicts Kabuki actor Nakamura Nojio II in the role of Sakuramaru in the play, ‘Sugawara’ performed at Miyako-za Theater in May, 1796. 3. See a related print preserved in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) of Boston, USA, under accession number 11.22743. Click HERE to see the related print. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.