{"product_id":"rare-book-store-3","title":"Kabuki Actor Portrait by Toyohara Kunichika","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 1877 Japanese woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika depicts kabuki actor Ichikawa Sadanji I in the role of Ichihara Kidōmaru. It comes from the series \u003cem\u003eKaika Nijūshi Kō\u003c\/em\u003e (Twenty-Four Enjoyments of the Enlightened Age), which paired traditional kabuki subjects with references to the dramatic modernization and Westernization transforming Japan during the early Meiji period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKunichika was one of the leading ukiyo-e artists of the Meiji era and was particularly celebrated for his portraits of kabuki actors. Here, Sadanji appears dramatically posed alongside an ox head, referencing Kidōmaru and his legendary association with supernatural powers. The brilliant red background, patterned green kimono, and intense expression demonstrate the bold color and theatricality for which Kunichika's actor portraits became known.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ox imagery also connects the print to the Meiji concept of \u003cem\u003ebunmei kaika\u003c\/em\u003e, or “civilization and enlightenment.” In the 1870s, beef consumption became a highly visible symbol of Japan's embrace of Western customs after centuries in which meat eating had been restricted and culturally discouraged. The inset above the actor references this changing culture, creating a clever contrast between a traditional kabuki subject and one of the new habits appearing in modern Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe date is particularly significant. Created in 1877, only nine years after the beginning of the Meiji era, the print captures Japan in the midst of an extraordinary cultural transformation. Western technology, architecture, clothing, food, and social customs were rapidly entering everyday life, while kabuki remained one of the country's most popular traditional forms of entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginally produced as a commercial \u003cem\u003eyakusha-e\u003c\/em\u003e, or actor print, the work was intended for kabuki fans and print collectors. More than a theatrical portrait, it provides a fascinating snapshot of Japan in 1877, when centuries-old artistic and theatrical traditions existed alongside the country's rapid emergence as a modern nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.5\" x 9.25\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks\/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45333248835699,"sku":"AP8476","price":240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_32d73485-f47a-46c5-a66e-d69337fcc411.jpg?v=1786994452","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/products\/rare-book-store-3","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}