Japanese Woodblock Print, with white mica background; signed at right Toyonari ga, with circular date seal, Tai kyu (Taisho 9 [1920]), archaic seal Mori at lower left corner, self-published with the support of the Yamamura Koka Hanga Kankokai (Publication Society of Yamamura Koka's prints), 1920

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, 11 x 16.25 inches

COMMENTS: Matsumoto Koshiro VII was extensively recognized as the greatest kabuki star of his generation. From the age of eleven, he was trained by Ichikawa Danjuro IX, one of the most important kabuki actors of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) who is credited, in part, with revitalizing and redefining the theater for the modern era. Ichikawa Danjuro IX recognized Koshiro VII's potential during his first performance in the drama Moritsuna Jinya as the character Koshiro in 1881. He soon became an acclaimed actor and in 1911 he joined the newly established Imperial Theater, then the Schochiku Theater in 1929. One of his sons became Ichikawa Danjuro XI (1909-1965).

YAMAMURA TOYONARI (KOKA) (1885-1942) was known for his prints and paintings of kabuki actors, Yamamura Toyonari made an early contribution to the shin hanga movement. Toyonari studied with Ogata Gekko, a Meiji printmaker and painter. After graduating from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1907, he exhibited at the first government sponsored Bunten show that year. He used the artist's name 'Koka' for his paintings and lithographs.

In 1915, Toyonari designed several small actor prints for the project 'New Actor Portraits' (Shin Nigao-e). The blocks for these prints were carved by Igami Bonkotsu. Several other artists contributed to this project, including Natori Shunsen, Torii Kotondo, and Ishii Hakutei. In total, five booklets of actor prints were produced. The purpose of this project was to promote and advertise the kabuki theater.

The following year, the Tokyo publisher Watanabe Shozaburo saw one of Toyonari's actor paintings. He was impressed and he asked Toyonari if he could create a woodblock print based on the painting. Toyonari agreed and both men were pleased by the resulting print. They continued to collaborate on several more actor prints and in 1920, Toyonari began work on a series of 12 actor prints for which he is best known. The series was called 'Flowers of the theatrical world' (Rien no hana) and each design was initially produced in an edition of 150 prints. The prints were made in the okubi-e or 'large head' format.

Unfortunately the blocks for Toyonari's actor prints were destroyed in the catastrophic 1923 earthquake. As a result, these prints are quite rare.

VG, some fading and mica loss