Yamamura Toyonari, The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV as the Gardener Kichigoro (Pre-Earthquake)

Notes: A mint condition pre-earthquake design. Stored in original S. Watanabe folder since purchased; never framed or displayed. Original studio folder accompanies the print. Provenance: The collection was initially purchased directly from S. Watanabe print shop and has always been properly stored away. The majority of the collection showcases rarely seen MINT colors; several far exceeding numerous examples seen in prior collections. "In 1920, Koka began work on a series of tweleve actor portraits with Watanabe; it was completed in 1922. The series included not only profile portraits, but also full faced okubi-e. The characters portrayed include male roles, onnagata (actors in female roles). The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XV (1874-1945) depicted in the print holding a baby, was reportedly not a great talent in Kabuki: nevertheless he always drew crowds because of his exceedingly good looks. As seen in this role of the young gardener, Uzaemon XV supposedly never played older characters." - The New Wave; pg. 156