Last Samurai, Kabuki Scene – Toyohara Kunichaka (c.1878)

An antique Japanese print in hand-colour illustrating kabuki scenes. Played by kabuki actor Nakamura Sojuro (center), fighting against two men. This ukiyo-e was originally three-parts print, these are the middle and the last part only.

Toyohara Kunichika ( 豊原 国周 ; 1835 – 1900) was a Japanese woodblock print artist. Talented as a child, at about thirteen he became a student of Tokyo’s 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.

Excellent condition

Measures: 610 mm x 480 mm (incl.passepartout)