KOGEDO
Original Japanese Woodblock Print - Toyohara Kunichika - Yakusha-e Onoe Kikugoro - Early Meiji
Original Japanese Woodblock Print - Toyohara Kunichika - Yakusha-e Onoe Kikugoro - Early Meiji
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Traditional original Ukiyo-e woodblock print. [This print is not a modern reproduction]
Type of print: Yakusha-e 役者絵 (kabuki actor portrait)
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika 豊原国周 (signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu 豊原國周筆)
Series title: 見立三国若手揃
Mitate Sangoku Wakate Soroi —
“Analogy of the Three Kingdoms: Selection of Young Heroes”
Title cartouche: 大日本 Dai Nippon — “Great Japan”
Role depicted: 蛇の目乃 Ja no me no — “Snake's Eye”
Actor: 尾上家 菊五郎 (Onoe Kikugorō)
📅 Publication date: circa 1870–1876, early Meiji period
Publisher: Kagaya Kichibei 加賀屋吉兵衛
(also known as Kagaya Kichiemon 加賀屋吉右衛門)
Engraver: Hori Mino 彫巳の (Koizumi Minokichi)
📏 Format: Ōban Tate-e 大判縦絵 (approx. 25 × 37 cm)
Origin: Japan, discovered in Yamaguchi Prefecture
About the artist:
Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) was one of the most prominent ukiyo-e artists of the Meiji era and is today considered one of the last great masters of traditional ukiyo-e. A student of Kunisada, he particularly excelled in the yakusha-e genre, where he immortalized the greatest kabuki actors with dramatic intensity, bold compositions, and a color palette emblematic of the late 19th century.
Subject:
This print depicts actor Onoe Kikugorō, one of the greatest kabuki actors of his time, a member of a prestigious lineage and an essential figure on the stages of the Meiji period.
The work belongs to the series "Analogy of the Three Kingdoms: Selection of Young Heroes," an allegorical and theatrical reinterpretation of classical themes.
The actor is depicted sword in hand, wearing a spectacular kimono adorned with a magnificent tiger motif, set against a red background with an asanoha (stylized hemp leaf) pattern, particularly emblematic and typical of early Meiji aesthetics.
Condition:
Colors very well preserved, paper thinned in places, damaged margins, 2 wormholes in the title and actor cartouches. With mat.
🦝 Our opinion:
We love this original and authentic print by Toyohara Kunichika, a true concentration of Meiji aesthetics. The tiger motif on the kimono is absolutely magnificent, it's clear that Kunichika inspired tattoo art! The red background with asanoha pattern adds an extremely stylish and modern touch. The colors are vibrant and sublime, and the presence of Onoe Kikugorō, a great actor of his time, makes it a work that is as visually striking as it is historically significant.
An ideal piece for lovers of Japanese kabuki and samurai prints.
Discover all our authentic prints in our collection of Japanese prints.

A KOGEDO certificate of authenticity can be provided upon request after purchase.
By shopping at KOGEDO, you help preserve traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture.
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📦 Is delivery really free?
Yes! It is offered and tracked at a Mondial Relay pick-up point (or to your home if your order is over €150). Each print is carefully protected, packaged, and shipped from France.
🎌 Are the prints authentic?
Absolutely. All our prints are genuine handmade woodblock prints sourced in Japan from local vendors or markets and inspected by us. They are authentic and steeped in history.
🧧 Are the prints originals or reproductions?
Our prints are all genuine, handcrafted Japanese prints. We offer both original ukiyo-e, often produced during the Edo or Meiji periods, and more recent re-editions/reproductions, generally from the Shôwa period. Everything is transparent and specified in each product's description.
✨ It’s a one-of-a-kind piece. What if someone buys it before I do?
Unfortunately… there won’t be two of them! If you like a product, don’t wait too long. Once sold, it disappears from the shop. But sometimes some tableware may be available in multiple copies!
🔁 Can I return an item if I change my mind?
Yes, you have 14 days after receipt to contact us. We will always find a benevolent solution if an item does not suit you.
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💳 Do you offer installment payments?
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This option is automatically offered at checkout if your order is eligible.