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.
From the Shunsen nigao shu (1925), this portrait shows Nakamura Kichiemon I in the role of Mitsuhide — Takechi Mitsuhide, the general whose betrayal of Oda Nobunaga became one of kabuki's defining dramatic subjects. Kichiemon I was celebrated for his powerful, naturalistic approach to dramatic roles, and Shunsen's portrait captures this quality: the face of a man carrying impossible responsibility, the expression of someone whose resolve has outpaced his conscience. The print is among the most psychologically intense of the 1925 Nigao-e Shu series.
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.
The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon I as Mitsuhide, from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" was created by Natori Shunsen (名取春仙) in 1925.
Yes — The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon I as Mitsuhide, from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" is part of the Creative Prints: Collection of Portraits of Actors series (print 1 of 36) by Natori Shunsen.
The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon I as Mitsuhide, from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1925).
The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon I as Mitsuhide, from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" depicts kabuki.
The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon I as Mitsuhide, from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" measures 41.1 × 27.7 cm (Oban format).