Every Shunsen print from the 36-actor series and the supplemental 15-print series (1929–1931) was limited to ~150 copies, making all original Watanabe impressions inherently scarce. Mica backgrounds and vivid color are key condition criteria that separate first from later impressions.
Ichikawa Sadanji II appears as Narukami Uejin, the thunder-controlling priest whose seduction by a beautiful woman is the subject of the kabuki classic Narukami Fudo Kitayama Zakura. From the Shunsen Nigao-e Shu, this portrait captures the actor in the distinctive white robes of the Buddhist ascetic, his expression one of fierce concentration — or, perhaps, the gathering storm of spiritual power about to be released. Sadanji II was among the foremost reformers in early twentieth-century kabuki, bringing Western theatrical influences into dialogue with traditional performance.
1927
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
歌舞伎
Woodblock print
1955
Woodblock print
1928
Color lithograph
1930
Color lithograph
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Collection of Shunsen Portraits: Ichikawa Sadanji II As Narukami Uejin (Shunsen Nigao-e Shu: Ichikawa Sadanji II) was created by Natori Shunsen (名取春仙).
Yes — Collection of Shunsen Portraits: Ichikawa Sadanji II As Narukami Uejin (Shunsen Nigao-e Shu: Ichikawa Sadanji II) is part of the Creative Prints: Collection of Portraits of Actors series by Natori Shunsen.
Collection of Shunsen Portraits: Ichikawa Sadanji II As Narukami Uejin (Shunsen Nigao-e Shu: Ichikawa Sadanji II) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Collection of Shunsen Portraits: Ichikawa Sadanji II As Narukami Uejin (Shunsen Nigao-e Shu: Ichikawa Sadanji II) depicts kabuki.