A leading kabuki artist of the later shin hanga period, Ota Masamitsu is best known for his two, 12 print portrait series, “Figures of the Showa Stage” and “Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in their Most Famous Roles,” published by Banchoro during the 1950s. In Ota’s works, we see the evolution of the shin hanga actor print towards more realistic portraiture. His designs incorporate Western style shading and perspective to create a much more three-dimensional image, along with beautifully precise line work and saturated color. Ota Masamitsu’s kabuki portraits are comparable to those of the better known Natori Shunsen, but Ota’s work remains little known and his woodblocks are rarely seen in the market. His powerful and expressive portraits capture the individual personality of the performer, and are a great choice for a kabuki enthusiast or shin hanga collector.

Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII as Miuranosuke

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 97
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Ichikawa Sadanji III as Oboshi Yuranosuke

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 97
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Nakamura Kichiemon as Ichijo Okura-kyo

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 97
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Nakamura Utaemon as Yatsuhashi

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 97
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Nakamura Tokizo III as Shizuka Gozen

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 97
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Onoe Shoroku II as Danshichi

Series: Leading Figures of the Modern Stage in Their Most Famous Roles
Year: 1955
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number: 133
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Ichikawa Ebizo IX as Moritsuna

Series: Figures of the Showa Stage
Year: 1949
Publisher: Banchoro
Limited edition number:
Size: Oban 25,4 x 38cm

 

Kabuki Kumadori (Makeups)

Series: Kabuki Kumadori
Year: 1924
Image Size: 10 5/8″ x 7 5/8″; backing sheets 12″ x 9″
Kabuki Kumadori Prints – Terrific woodblock prints from a Taisho era series by shin hanga artist Ota Masamitsu depicting kumadori, a distinctive type of kabuki makeup used for aragoto characters. Aragoto refers to an exaggerated style of acting used to depict heroic warriors, demons, or fierce gods. The bombastic style encompasses all elements of the role, including hair, makeup, dialogue, and costume. These striking designs depict bold and colorful makeup, often giving the characters a frightening or otherworldly appearance. An attached tissue paper overleaf provides the name of the makeup and a description of the character in both Japanese and English, along with a profile view of the made-up face. Some are noted as antique or earlier style makeups no longer in use. A fantastic choice for a kabuki enthusiast or historian of theater.