Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV

Medium:: Woodblock print
Format:: Oban
Source:: Art of Japan

Typical Price

Fine actor or memorial portrait print: $800–$3,000
Good condition actor subject: $300–$1,000
Later impression: $100–$400

Description

This shini-e (death memorial portrait) of the renowned kabuki actor Nakamura Utaemon IV, known as "Shikan," was produced in the traditional format for mourning prints — a commemorative likeness issued quickly after a star's death to meet public demand. Utaemon IV was one of the greatest onnagata and tachiyaku performers of his era, and his death prompted an outpouring of memorial prints from multiple artists. Kuniyoshi's portrait captures the actor in a characteristic role, employing the formal conventions of shini-e while maintaining the vivid presence the actor was known for.

More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"

Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanjo Ichijosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"

Miya, Kuwana, Yokkaichi, and Ishiyakushi, from the series "Famous Places on the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, Four Stations (Tokaido gojusan eki yonshuku meisho)"

More Kabuki Prints

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歌舞伎

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Onoe Shoroku II as the tattooed villain Danshichi

1955

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View of Kabuki Theater from Matsuya (Ginza Matsuya yori Kabukiza), no. 3 from the series "Pictures of Ginza, First Series (Gashu Ginza dai isshu)"

1928

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Distant View of Mitsukoshi Movie Theater in Shinjuku from the Sixth Floor of Hoteiya (Hoteiya rokkai kara Shinjuku Mitsukoshi Musashi no kan enbo zu), no. 1 from the series "Scenery of Shinjuku (Gashu Shinjuku fukei)"

1930

Color lithograph

Frequently Asked Questions

Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).

Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV depicts kabuki and portraits.