Gallery 3B: Natori Shunsen and the Artists of Shin Nagao Magazine

This gallery features woodblock kabuki actor prints from the short-lived art magazine, Shin Nigao (New Portraits). Shin Nigao represented an attempt to revive interest in actor prints which was one of the major genres of traditional Ukiyo-e. Shin Nigao was published in five issues during 1915 and included seventy-seven prints. Several notable artists contributed to the magazine including artists that belong to both the shin hanga (new prints) and sosaku hanga (creative prints) movements. Of note, these small prints were the first published for several artists including Natori Shunsen, who would later be celebrated for his kabuki prints in larger format. All prints were carved by Igami Bonkotsu. In addition to kabuki actor prints, the fifth and final issue of Shin Nigao included five portraits of officials involved with the 1915 enthronement of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and five portraits of geisha who performed at the enthronement ceremonies.

Prints by Natori Shunsen (1886-1960)

Prints by Ishii Hakutei (1882–1958)

Prints by Ishizuka Kan (?-?)

Prints by Matsuda Seifū (1892-1941)

Prints by Ogawa Hyōe

Prints by Terasawa Kōtarō

Prints by Yamamura Toyonari (1885-1942)

Additional Artists