| Artist | Natori SHUNSEN (1886-1960) |
| Title | "Kataoka Nizaemon as Honzo" (**) |
| Date | 1926 (First Edition, 150 prints.) |
| Provenance | Consigned by a discriminating eastcoast USA collector. |
| Series | "Collection of Shunsen Portraits" ("Shunsen Nigao-e Shu") (Aka: "Thirty-six Kabuki Actors Portraits," 1925-29) |
| Publisher | Watanabe Shozaburo |
| Seal, Carver/Printer | Black recangular "Watanabe-ko" seal (used only for Shunsen prints mid-late 1920's). Red ovoid "Natori" approval seal lower/left margin. |
| Image Size | 10 x 14 3/4 |
| Impression | Very Fine. Superbly executed "bokashi" shading; extensive "gauffrage" (embossing) to white collar and blue/brown kimono; dark grey "mica" background; highly detailed carving, crisp "key-lines." |
| Condition | Very Good++. Excellent colors. Clean front and verso. (Slight wrinkling; light toning.) No prior mounts. |
| Reference/Illus | Blair's 1930 "Toldedo Exhibition" pl. #135. |
| Comments | A striking print--from Shunsen's first series, "Thirty-six Kabuki Actors Portraits" (1925-29), which Watanabe lavishly produced in a limited edition of 150 prints sold only by subscription. (Unusual "Watanabe-ko" seal used only 1925-29.) |
| Item # | MM-19 |
| Price | $975 (Sold--MH) |