Lot 37 - JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT BY KUNICHIKA TOYOHARA

Kunichika Toyohara, Japanese, 1835 to 1900, original antique wood block print on paper with Kabuki actors framed in fans. Kabuki actor Nakamura Fukusuke is in the role of Fukuoka Mitsugi on the upper insert and Courtesan Yanagibashi Okon on the lower inset. Circa: 19th century. Kunichika Toyohara was a Japanese artist, one of the leading masters of ukiyo e. Talented as a child, at about thirteen he became a student of Tokyos then leading print maker, Utagawa Kunisada. His deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led to his production primarily of yakusha e, which are woodblock prints of kabuki actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. Asian and Oriental Graphic Art Prints and Collectibles.