The prior owner of this one did well to tape a description on reverse, identifying it as the work of Okijiro Hironari, an artist among the circle that studied under ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusa(1760-1849, and dating the woodblock to the very beginning of the 19th century. The portrait is of a Kyogen actor--Kyogen a form of traditional Japanese comic theatre (a bit like commedia dell'arte) that developed alongside Noh theater and was performed as an intermission of sorts between Noh acts on the same stage. I love the spare elegance of the print, just this lone actor creating a world. And with very beautiful combination of colors and patterns on his costume.
Framed:15" x 12". Professionally framed not too long ago, as found--I'm not entirely certain why mounted in a such deep frame, perhaps to simulate a sort of stage? Clean and looks that it would be easy to remove if desired. Looks like a few small tears along bottom edge of paper, just visible up close looking down into the frame, and minor. Overall very nice condition.
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