Signed 1974 Mitsuaki Ichikawa Kabuki Woodblock Print Board — Matsumoto Kōshirō VII

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An exceptional, completely documented vintage 1974 Japanese vertical woodblock print (Shikishi art board format) by the celebrated 20th-century theatrical print … Read more An exceptional, completely documented vintage 1974 Japanese vertical woodblock print (Shikishi art board format) by the celebrated 20th-century theatrical print master Mitsuaki Ichikawa (Ota Gakko/Masamitsu, 1892–1975). This exquisite portrait originates from the luxury mid-century series titled Edo Nishiki-e: Gendai Haiyū Hana no Uchi ("Edo Brocade Prints: The Flower of Contemporary Actors"), published by the elite Tokyo studio Isetatsu.

• The Subject & Actor: The print captures a fierce, dramatic close-up portrait of the legendary actor Matsumoto Kōshirō VII in his definitive role as the warrior monk Benkei from Kanjinchō, widely considered the crown jewel of the Kabuki theater canon. He is depicted in traditional mountain priest attire (yamabushi) highlighted by dramatic kumadori stage makeup.

• Impeccable Official Provenance: The reverse side features the beautifully preserved, full-coverage geometric blue shibori patterned karakami backing paper along with its formal printed Japanese commentary bio detailing the performance's legacy. Housed in its original custom presentation gift box bearing the official stamped red logo of the world-famous Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo.

• Presentation: Meticulously pressed onto a heavy, rigid decorative art board with a clean black perimeter edge. This unique vertical profile is designed to be displayed beautifully standing on a tabletop easel, leaning on a floating shelf, or custom-framed.

• Condition: Immaculate vintage condition. The colors remain incredibly bright, saturated, and crisp with absolutely no fading, foxing, or edge wear. The rigid board corners are perfectly sharp.

A museum-quality, masterfully documented piece of 20th-century Japanese art and performance history. This striking vertical print adds incredible graphic power and "Japandi" styling to a high-end gallery wall or mid-century vignette. See less