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MASAMITSU Ota. (1892-1975)
Ichikawa Ennosuke as Akutaro. 1949.
- Category
- Japanese | 20th Century
- Series
- Showa butai sugata.
- Publisher
- Banchoro. Limited ed. No.108.
dai ōban tate-e, 28.5 cm × 41.5 cm
Excellent impression, colour and condition. The light presentation folding line along the left edge is normal with this series.
The actor Ichikawa Ennosuke strikes a defiant pose, clenching a halberd that creates the backdrop of a crescent moon. He plays the eponymous and often inebriated scoundrel, Akutarô. The comic dance-play was adapted from a Noh Kyôgen for the Kabuki stage by Okamura Shikô with choreography and music by Hanaygai Jusuke II and Kneya Sakichi IV, and premiered at the Ichimusara Theatre in June 1924. By 1949, the shadows and soft lighting of the early Kabuki stage were replaced with electric light and the fine printing captures the transformation with precise line work, saturated colours and subtle shading on the costume.
Signed Masamitsu with artist seal. Series title, role and actor name in the right margin. Publishing/copyright in the lower left. Embossed 108 limited edition bottom left.
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