Comment - Handsome design from a series of chuban size prints by Torii Kiyotada IV (Torii VII) featuring insets with actors against backgrounds with plum blossoms and leaves and a pot with a yellow flower. These colorful images are nicely detailed with expressive figures in scenes from kabuki plays. The dominating Edo kite shows two kabuki actors. The lower right part of the kite gives a crane crest. Crane crest and aragoto make-up of the upper actor hint at strongman Asahina, often depicted in kabuki prints. The upper left title cassette is not read. The lower kabuki actor seems to emerge from the surface of the Edo kite, thus he partially obscures the title. The hanetsuki battledore shows two actors. The pictures seem to emerge from the surface of the battledore, thus as well giving a spatial impression.

The cropping and cut of the print suggests that this is the upper right part of a larger ensemble.

Series - not specified


Artist - see Biography


Signature - none                            


Publisher - not specified


Image Size -  36.0 x 23.7 cm (8 3/4" x  6 1/8") with margins

 

Condition - single panel; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); Vertical chuban (chuban tate-e);