SHUNSEN NATORI 名取春仙 (JAPAN, 1886-1960) Ichikawa Ennosuke as Sanbaso in Black Kimono Oban tata-e woodblock print From the series ‘Thirty Portraits of Contemporary Actors in Kabuki Plays’ Publisher: The S. Watanabe Color Print Co. (with seal) Dimensions (the leaf): 40 x 27 cm Note: Born in Yamanashi Prefecture, Shunsen Natori was a Japananese woodblock printer widely regarded as the last master in the art of ‘Kabuki Yakusha-e’ (lit. ‘Actor pictures’). In 1925, Natori and Watanabe worked together on a series of 36 actor portraits. did not design any other actor prints until the early 1950s. From 1951 to 1954, he again collaborated with Watanabe on another series of 30 actor prints. His works are held in several museums worldwide, including the British Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.