Decadence and Dissolution: Tattoo and Kabuki Art By Kunichika (Ukiyo-e Master Series) Paperback – January 31, 2013

Let me start by saying that Toyohara Kunichika is my favorite Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Not nearly as well known as his contemporaries, Kunichika specialized in dramatic portraits of Kabuki performers playing historical characters. These are not your classic beauties or landscapes.Kunichika was one of the first artists of his period to embrace the new bold Western dyes, so his portraits are vivid with purples and reds rather than classic pastels. The one problem that I have with this book is that the colors are a little too saturated for my taste, which means it is a little more difficult to see the subtle details.That said, the book shows a splendid and colorful cast of characters. Many samurai with beautiful kimono, many depictions of the beautifully intricate tattoos that covered the bodies of warriors. Some beauties (women played by male actors) and noblemen and commoners. All with wonderfully expressive faces in accordance with their stage roles.There is not a lot of information about the individual prints, but they date from late 1800's Japan, so it is likely that little documentation exists anywhere. Those who want to know more can use the internet to research individual prints, whose titles are listed in the book. The names of the plays and the actors and roles are all you need to know to do your own searches.In summary, I highly recommend this book for its beauty and rarity and affordability. It is an oversize full-color softcover book, with big images on every page. You will see nothing else like it available. A++++

Suits my particular interests

Libro meraviglioso, immagini a tutta pagina spettacolari per gli amanti del Giappone e per gli appassionati come me del tatuaggio giapponese. Lo consiglio caldamente.

英文ですが、カラー写真が中心で英語が分からなくても楽しめます。値段の割には、カラー写真が多く（ほぼ全体がカラー写真です）満足しています。写真の出来は今一なものも多いですが、図禄として価値は十分にあります。日本では、國周の図禄はほとんどなく、國周ファン、明治期の歌舞伎、役者ファンには最適です。

Per gli amanti delle stampe giapponesi e del kabuki un ottimo volume su un autore che personalmente non conoscevo, ma che mi ha molto impressionato.