KABUKI.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

A set of nine envelopes showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro. A striking set, depicting the first nine generations of the most famous lineage of kabuki actors. The likenesses (nigao) show their most well-known roles, including Danjuro I as Yamagami Gennai Saemon in Zohiki, Danjuro II as Otomo no Kuronushi in Tsumori koi yuki no seki no to, and Danjuro VI as Shirozakeuri Shinbee in Sukeroku.Ichikawa Danjuro is a stage name passed down since the late 17th century. Danjuro I pioneered the aragoto style of kabuki, known for exaggerated facial expressions, bright makeup, and enlarged costumes. Some of his plays, such as Shibaraku and Sukeroku, became representative of the art form. The name survives to this day in Ichikawa Danjuro XIII, who took the title in October 2022.The illustrations and text are based on a series of large-format prints by Utagawa Yoshiiku titled Nazorae Kyusei Ishikawa keifu and first released in 1894.

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