Original heliogravures after the work of Alexandre Iacouleff published in Paris in 1938

Courtesy of Antiquarian Print Gallery

The actor Ichikawa Chûsha VII interpretation of the role of warrior rebel Akechi Mitsuhide in the play "Ehon Taikôki". The hair, the thick-brow, the makeup of eye and of the mouth define the violent character of the person. The squinting is appropriate for the ‘concentration’ in the final monologue. Ume no Yoshibê is the principal character of the tragic "Suda no Haru Geisha Katagi"

Nakamura Utaemon V in the role of a young bride, with hair traditionally brushed back in a comb, for the ceremony of marriage

The actors Nakamura Fukusuke VI and Bandô Mitsugorô VII dance the Dance of the Lions, known as "Renjishi"

Onoe Kikugorô VI in the role of Tatsugorô, vigorous and faithful otokodate, leader of a high profile organisation. He is the principal character in the play "Megumi no Kenka" in which he must resolve a building conflict with an equally powerful organisation

Alexandre Iacouleff was born in St. Petersburg in 1887, the son of a naval officer. He went on voyages to Mongolia, Japan and China recording his journey with watercolours and pastel artworks. He went to Shanghai in 1918, and in 1920 to Paris and London, exhibiting work revealing the influences of his extensive travels. In the latter half of the Ninteenth century Japanese art and society had a huge influence on the European art world.

Pictures and texts are courtesy of the Antiquarian Print Gallery

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