1877 Toyohara Kunichika Meiji Japanese Woodblock Print of Ichikawa Danjuro IX

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Description

An extraordinary original Meiji-period Japanese color woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900), one of the great designers of nineteenth-century kabuki … Read more An extraordinary original Meiji-period Japanese color woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900), one of the great designers of nineteenth-century kabuki actor prints.

Created in 1877, the print belongs to Kunichika’s fascinating Kaika Nijushi Ko (開化廿四好), a series juxtaposing the rapidly modernizing world of Meiji Japan with celebrated subjects from traditional theater.

Here, Ichikawa Danjuro IX appears in Shakkyo (“The Stone Bridge”), dramatically portrayed with an enormous white lion mane, elaborate floral ornament and richly patterned costume against a brilliant red field.

Above him, Kunichika inserts something strikingly modern: Meganebashi (“Spectacles Bridge”), populated by contemporary pedestrians beneath a blue sky. The juxtaposition is deliberate, bringing the traditional theatrical world of kabuki into dialogue with the changing landscape of Meiji Japan.

The print bears Kunichika’s signature 豊原國周筆 (Toyohara Kunichika hitsu) at lower right. The actor cartouches identify Ichikawa Danjuro and Shakkyo, while the upper portion identifies the Kaika Nijushi Ko series and Meganebashi subject.

Publication information along the left margin records Meiji 10 (1877) and a registration date of January 29. The margin carries publication information for Kobayashi Tetsujiro, associated with later impressions from the original series blocks.

Particularly beautiful is the enormous white lion mane, where subtle concentric texturing becomes visible under angled light. Strong passages of red, deep blue, green and yellow survive throughout the composition, together with finely printed details in the actor’s face, costume and miniature bridge scene.

The design has been independently identified through surviving examples and institutional records in Japanese collections.

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900)
Series: Kaika Nijushi Ko (開化廿四好)
Subject: Meganebashi / Shakkyo
Actor: Ichikawa Danjuro IX
Date: 1877 / Meiji 10
Registration date: January 29, 1877
Medium: Original Japanese color woodblock print / nishiki-e
Format: Vertical oban
Sheet: approximately 14.6 × 10.2 in. / 37 × 26 cm
Presentation: Unframed and unbacked

An unidentified small red mark appears on the reverse. Its origin has not been established and no provenance is attributed to the mark.

Good surviving antique condition with strong color and crisp printed detail. Age-related toning, handling wear, minor creasing and edge wear are present. No significant trimming is apparent; the patterned surround and publication information remain substantially preserved. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description. See less