Original Japanese woodblock print of the actor Segawa Senjo by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769 – 1825). Classic yakusha-e woodblock study by the Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Toyokuni I. This piece shows the kabuki actor Segawa Senjo performing as the courtesan Takao. At this time, only men were allowed to perform in kabuki theatre. Segawa Senjo was a superstar of his day, commanding great salaries and audiences, and becoming renowned as an onnagata (male playing female) performer. This image of the courtesan Takao is taken from the play Takao Miuke no Tomozuna performed by the Nakamura theatre company, and it was published by Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1809. Oban tate-e form (vertical rectangle), the visible image measures 33.5cm (13 1/8 inches) x 25cm (9 7/8 inches). The frame measures 44.3cm (17 1/2 inches) x 34.2cm (13 1/2 inches). This piece dates from 1809. There are some slightly dirty areas and there is some fading after 200+ years. The red colour has faded from the kimono, and the yellow areas would have been purple and red when first printed. But none of the elegance and poetry has been lost from this piece. The item “Utagawa Toyokuni I Original Japanese Woodblock Print Segawa Senjo Kabuki 1809″ is in sale since Tuesday, February 16, 2021. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Japanese\Prints”. The seller is “east20_interiors” and is located in Kingston upon Thames. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain.
- Region of Origin: Japanese
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Product: Print
- Age: 1800-1849
- Primary Material: Paper
- Antique: Yes
- Sub-Type: Kabuki
- Original/Repro: Antique Original
