Nakamura Utaemon by Shunkosai Hokushu

 Against a checkered yellow background the actor stands displaying an embossed design of Benten amid flames on his chest and arms, and holding a large sword behind his back.

Oban tate-e  1820

Published by Yamaichi and Tenki

 Shunkosai Hokushu is an early ukiyo-e artist from the Osaka School. The Osaka School is used as a term for printmakers from Osaka, in contrast to those in Edo (Tokyo). The Osaka School concentrated on actor prints and developed a style of its own.

Actors with Lantern - Shunbaisai Hokuei

From the play Honobonoto Ura no Asagiri the actors Iwai Shijaku I as Osuma no Kata and Bando Jutaro as Sesaya Hanbei. One of Hokuei's most elegant diptych designs, this contrasts a black background and eerie landscape with a dense heavily printed figures. See Schwaab -  Osaka Prints.
 Fine impression with use of silver and gold pigments. Poem in sky printed in silver.

Shunbaisai Hokuei who is also known as Shunkō III, was a designer of ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock prints in Osaka who was active from about 1824 to 1837. He was a student of Shunkōsai Hokushū. Hokuei’s prints most often portray the kabuki actor Arashi Rikan II, and the quality of these designs and printing is remarkable. Hokuei died in 1837. Shunbaisai Hokuei should not be confused with Tōkōen Hokuei an early 19th century Edo (Tokyo) printmaker who is also commonly referred to as “Hokuei”

Theater print - Shunbaisai Hokuei

Spectacular theater print showing three actors in various roles. Shunbaisai Hokuei who is also known as Shunkō III, was a designer of ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock prints in Osaka who was active from about 1824 to 1837. He was a student of Shunkōsai Hokushū. Hokuei’s prints most often portray the kabuki actor Arashi Rikan II, and the quality of these designs and printing is remarkable. Hokuei died in 1837. Shunbaisai Hokuei should not be confused with Tōkōen Hokuei an early 19th century Edo (Tokyo) printmaker who is also commonly referred to as “Hokuei”

Kabuki Duo : Sawamuras - Katsukawa Shunsen (ca 1800)

An early Katsukawa Shunsen actor portrait of great power and elegance. Left Sawamura Tozo I and right Sawamura Gennosuke I

Katsukawa Shunsen, who is also known as Shunkō II, was a designer of books and ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock prints. He was born in 1762 and designed prints from about 1805 to about 1821. He initially studied with the Rimpa school artist Tsutsumi Tōrin III. In 1806 or 1807, Shunsen became a student of Katsukawa Shun'ei, and changed his name from “Kojimachi Shunsen” to “Katsukawa Shunsen”. In 1820 he succeeded Katsukawa Shunkō I, becoming Katsukawa Shunkō II. In the late 1820s, he ceased producing woodblock prints and devoted himself to painting ceramics. He died about 1830.

Shunsen is best known for his genre scenes, landscapes, and prints of beautiful women.