This vintage real photo postcard features a male kabuki performer. He is dressed in traditional costume and holding a fan. Kabuki is a classical type of Japanese dance/song/drama. Kabuki theater includes very stylized performances, glamorous costumes, and intricate make-up. (SOLD)
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THE CABINET CARD GALLERY
I suspect this is a Western man dressed as a Kabuki actor and not an actual Kabuki actor.
Do you have this doubt because the actor appears to have western features? If he is indeed a Western man, than perhaps he is a theater actor playing a role. I hypothesize that because he is wearing more elaborate makeup and costuming than one would expect from a photo studio or a do-it-yourself project.
Yes, looking at other known images of kabuki actors dressed for their roles, the costuming is very elaborate. This seems sort of “half committed” if that makes sense. Check out the Lavenberg Collection for some really interesting photographs.
Thanks for referring me to the “Lavenberg Collection”. The prints are beautiful.