Shunkosai Hokushu (active ca. 1802-1832), Actor Ichikawa Ebijuro I as Hayakawa Matabei, signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga, with red artist’s seal Hokushu, followed by the publisher’s seal, Den (Naniwa Iden), role and actor identified at top left, Hayakawa Matabei, Ichikawa Ebijuro, 3rd lunar month, 10th day, 1822, oban tate-e 14 3/4 by 9 7/8 in., 37.4 by 25.2 cm
Drama Queens & Kabuki Kings: Stars of Edo and Osaka
September 11–19, 2025
(otherwise by appointment through October 31st)
145 West 58th Street, Suite 6D
Scholten Japanese Art is delighted to present Drama Queens & Kabuki Kings: Stars of Edo and Osaka during this season of Asia Week New York Autumn 2025. Featuring approximately fifty 19th-century woodblock prints and drawings, the exhibition will focus on portraits of stars and superstars of the kabuki world, including several who expanded their preeminence on the stage by going on tour—traveling back and forth to the major metropolitan arenas of Edo and Osaka.
These kabuki luminaries enjoyed the adoration of their loyal audience who formed fan clubs that frequently and strategically fanned the flames of professional rivalries between actors and their clans. Printed portraits of the actors were produced as advertisements or as visually imbued souvenirs for fans to savor the experience of a memorable performance. In Edo, prints were designed by professional artist and there were hundreds of commercial publishers. In Osaka, patrons of actors financially supported print production, and the designers (until ca. 1830) were primarily kabuki fans who were talented amateur artists unaffiliated with any particular atelier and produced more realistic portraits that bordered on caricatures. In addition, the Osaka prints themselves tended to be of higher quality printing, often at a level associated with deluxe surimono and likewise, issued in significantly fewer quantities. As such, serious kabuki print afficionados have long appreciated the superior quality and rarity of Osaka prints.
They look forward to welcoming you to the gallery—until then, enjoy a sneak peek online today!
To learn more, click here.