Comment - The actor "Baiko" ("梅幸"), Onoe Kikugorō-V (五代尾上菊五郎) is dressed in a New Year kite dance costume as a Yakko or footman in the rôle of the the lone Ronin hero Kyumonryu Shishin (九紋龍史進). The print is No.54 of the series and shows the actor in a stage-play performed in Osaka. Onoe Kikugorō is tied to the upper stage with the black rope behind his back, in order to give the impression of a flying Yakko kite ("yakko dako", "奴凧").  He wears a Yakko outfit with the typical blue and white crest.

The supporting actors are shown in the upper left cassette with a short description of there rôle. Onoe Ushinosuke plays Senkakuya and Onoe Kiku is Sankichi. The right actor holds a spool for the kite line.

The black cassette upper right carries the series title, the neighbouring cassette gives the title and rôle of "Baiko". Special detail - Embossing in the white areas of the kimono and burnishing in the black kimono in the inset upper left.


Series - In 1893, Kunichika was commissioned to create the series "One Hundred Roles of Baiko," chronicling the diverse characters played by the famous actor Onoe Kikugorō-V (尾上菊五郎), whose pen name was "Baiko" ("梅幸"). These prints feature a large portrait of Kikugoro V in one of his major roles, along with a small scene showing a supporting actor from the same play. These exquisite images were printed to the highest standards, using expensive techniques and materials such as burnishing, embossing, and mica. Beautifully drawn and composed, each print demonstrates Kunichika's skill in creating expressive characters, bringing each role to life on the page.


Artist - see Biography


Signature - "KUNICHIKA hitsu" ("国周筆", "drawn by KUNICHIKA") (center left side) with his red ring seal (otoshidama-shirushi, "年玉印").


Publisher - Fukuda Kumajiro (福田 熊次郎), red seal next to signature 


Image Size - 22.9 x 34.3 cm   (9" x 13 1/2") plus margins as shown


Condition - single panel; nishiki-e (coloured woodblock); Vertical ôban (ôban tate-e);