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 (1927), this print depicts Otani Tomoemon VI in the role of Kan Shojo — the historical scholar and statesman Sugawara Michizane, who was deified after his unjust exile and death as the patron deity of learning. In kabuki, Kan Shojo appears in the monumental Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, and his role combines the dignity of a great court official with the pathos of undeserved fall. Shunsen renders Tomoemon's portrayal with exceptional solemnity: the face of a man whose dignity remains intact in the face of injustice.
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 Otani Tomoemon VI as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane), from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" was created by Natori Shunsen (名取春仙) in 1927.
Yes — The Actor Otani Tomoemon VI as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane), from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" is part of the Creative Prints: Collection of Portraits of Actors series by Natori Shunsen.
The Actor Otani Tomoemon VI as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane), from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1927).
The Actor Otani Tomoemon VI as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane), from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" depicts kabuki.
The Actor Otani Tomoemon VI as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane), from the series “Collection of Portraits by Shunsen (Shunsen nigao shu)" measures 40.5 × 27.5 cm (Oban format).