Memorial Portraits of Iwai Hanshirō VI and Bandō Mitsugorō III

Date:: after 1836
Medium:: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Format:: Oban
Dimensions:: 34.9 × 24.9 cm
Source:: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Typical Price

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

Description

This surimono-style memorial print commemorates two major kabuki stars — the onnagata Iwai Hanshiro VI, who died in 1836, and the versatile performer Bando Mitsugoro III — in a paired portrait issued after 1836. Surimono were luxury prints produced in small editions with metallic pigments and embossed printing, typically commissioned by poetry clubs for special occasions. Kuniyoshi's dual memorial portrait honors both actors with the refined technique appropriate to the form, likely accompanied by commemorative verse.

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

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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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Memorial Portraits of Iwai Hanshirō VI and Bandō Mitsugorō III was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) in after 1836.

Memorial Portraits of Iwai Hanshirō VI and Bandō Mitsugorō III uses Embossing, on woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper.

Memorial Portraits of Iwai Hanshirō VI and Bandō Mitsugorō III depicts kabuki and portraits.

Memorial Portraits of Iwai Hanshirō VI and Bandō Mitsugorō III measures 34.9 × 24.9 cm (Oban format).