ISHIKAWA, (SEIZO), ED.

Itchikawake Hiden Kumadori Zukan (Pictures of Kabuki actors' face makeup at Ichikawa family).

Tokyo Wakatsuki Shoten 1918 Small oblong quarto. 45ff. Album printed entirely with woodblocks, with42ff. of illustrations interleaved with tissue showing elaborate applications of makeup on the faces of Kabuki actors. Each application is pictured both straight-on and in profile, showing how colors are used to accentuate various parts of the face, and demonstrating how makeup is used to transform the actors into the characters they play. These transformations are demonstrated beautifully in this album, using strong blues, reds, and even gold in contrast with inky black. Kabuki makeup traditionally begins with a thick base of white rice powder applied to the actor's face, and then colors are used to outline the eyes, eyebrows, and lips. For supernatural and villainous characters, lines of dark and brilliant color, called kumadori, are applied in order to exaggerate the lines of the face and to create a kind of painted mask for the actor. Many examples of these intricate applications are included in the ablum. Each makeup application is accompanied by notes in Japanese, and there are a few pages of prefatory and concluding text. The Ichikawa family, which was the inspiration for the album, is considered one of the most famous and prestigious lineages of Kabuki actors. A corner of the first page is repaired, and some light discoloration present to endleaves, else fine in tan and brown patterned fabric-covered boards, with an open binding tied with indigo ribbon. Housed in a folding chemise of brown cloth-covered boards, which is secured with two bone clasps. (Kabuki Theater).

• USD 1,350.00 > otras divisas
• nº de pedido: 22635

• librero: Bromer Booksellers Inc. (USA)