Kunichika - Igami no Gonta - One Hundred Roles of Baiko

Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)

Date: 1893
Medium: Woodblock Print. Oban (10" x 14")
Publisher: Fukuda Kumajiro
Genre: Ukiyo-e, Yakusha-e

This print depicts the kabuki role of Igami no Gonta, a character from Act III of the drama "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura", set against the backdrop of the medieval conflicts between the Heike and Minamoto clans. Although rooted in epic history, this act is domestic in focus. Gonta, a reckless and gambling-addicted son, returns secretly to his parents’ home seeking money to pay his debts. Through a series of misunderstandings involving hidden gold and a severed head concealed in rice containers, the scene culminates tragically with Gonta’s death at his father’s hand. In his final speech, he reveals that his actions were motivated by filial devotion rather than selfish intent.

Gonta is traditionally portrayed in a rough grey check kimono, carrying a wooden rice bucket - attributes that identify him immediately to kabuki audiences. The actor named in the cartouche at the top is Bandō Kakitsu.

The design features a densely applied mica ground, an intentional evocation of the dramatic backgrounds associated with Tōshūsai Sharaku.

One Hundred Roles of Baiko - In 1893, Kunichika was commissioned to create the series "One Hundred Roles of Baiko", chronicling the diverse characters played by the famous actor Onoe Kikugoro V, whose pen name was "Baiko." These fantastic prints feature a large portrait of Kikugoro V in one of his major roles, along with a small scene showing a supporting actor from the same play.

Condition: Good color and condition, silver mica applied to the background. Margins and some staining as shown, not backed.