Antique Utagawa Kunisada Kabuki Actor Print Pair, Nakamura Daikichi & Onoe Kikugorō, Framed

This pair of Japanese kabuki prints carries the name of Utagawa Kunisada, an artist especially admired for his portraits of the Edo stage. The printed actor names identify Nakamura Daikichi and Onoe Kikugorō. Kunisada made performers recognizable to theatergoers through their expressions, costumes and stage roles; actor prints formed the largest part of his work.

The two scenes belong together: a bamboo setting continues across the sheets while the performers turn toward one another. Their printed signatures and marks remain visible near the lower edges, and the vintage frames let the pair be displayed as a single composition. Shown side by side, these prints make a compelling piece of kabuki history for a wall or print collection.

Specifications
• Maker/Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (printed Kunisada ga signature)
• Year Made: Circa 1830–1850 (attributed)
• Materials: Ink and color on paper, glass, wood frames
• Dimensions: Each frame 20 × 16 in.; each visible print 14 × 9.5 in.

Condition
Visible water staining along the lower margins and scattered foxing and toning. Color is muted. The frames have minor scuffs; both backs show aged backing paper and hanging hardware. The frames are a little loose and delicate with age and may need reinforcing. Please examine the close photographs for the condition of each sheet.