Vintage 1970s Tokyo Kabukiza Theatre "Sukeroku" Shikishi Art Board With Original Stamped Venue Box

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An exceptional, completely documented vintage 1974 Japanese woodblock print (Shikishi art board format) by the celebrated 20th-century theatrical artist Mitsuaki … Read more An exceptional, completely documented vintage 1974 Japanese woodblock print (Shikishi art board format) by the celebrated 20th-century theatrical artist Mitsuaki Ichikawa (Kōgaku, 1928–2004). This piece comes from the highly premium mid-century series titled Shinsō Nishiki-e: Gendai Haiyū Hana no Uchi ("Newly Created Brocade Prints: The Flower of Contemporary Actors").

• The Subject & Actor: The print captures the stunning onnagata (male actor portraying a female role) performance of the legendary Living National Treasure, Onoe Kikugorō VII, in the celebrated Kabuki production Mitsunin-gata no Keisei (The Courtesans of the Three Personas). He is depicted in a brilliant jewel-toned violet and ruby kimono against a spring canopy of blooming cherry blossoms (sakura).

• Impeccable Official Provenance: The reverse side features the fully intact, original historical Japanese commentary biography detailing the actor's lineage, breakout 1960s/1973 stage triumphs, and the elite publisher credits for the renowned Tokyo art studio Kikujudō Isetatsu. Housed in its original custom presentation gift box bearing the official stamped red logo of the historic Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo.

• Presentation: Meticulously pressed onto a heavy, rigid decorative art board with a clean black perimeter edge and an exquisite, patterned dark green reverse backing liner. Designed to be displayed beautifully on a tabletop easel, leaning on a floating shelf, or custom-framed.

• Condition: Immaculate vintage condition. The colors remain incredibly bright and saturated with zero fading, foxing, or edge wear. The rigid board corners are perfectly sharp.

A museum-quality, masterfully documented piece of 20th-century Japanese art and theatrical history. A perfect graphic statement piece for high-end Mid-Century Modern or Japandi interiors. See less