Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) A shini-e [memorial portrait] of the immensely popular kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII who committed suicide at the early age of 32 in 1854, the left-hand panels contain thirty-nine poems (proof of his tremendous popularity) set against a faint background of the seven flowers of autumn, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi, seal Kuniyoshi; and twenty-four single-sheet shini-e of kabuki actors, various signatures etc, varying impressions, colours and condition Oban tate-e triptych (25)