As a life-long fan of the kabuki theatre, Kunisada produced this large series of large-head actor portraits in his old age as a monument to his career. Only the finest paper was used and the prints were embellished with expensive metallic pigments, mica and gofun, as well as the use of time-consuming techniques including blind printing and burnishing. During the project Kunisada recruited Utagawa Yoshitora (active circa 1850-80) to assist and a number of the prints are by him (see lot 51).

For the same print in the collection of The Rijksmuseum, object number RP-P-2008-167, go to:
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/search
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This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.