Subject:  Mieko Takamine

Size:  4.5x6.25

Description:  Exceptionally scarce doubleweight late-thirties Japanese publicity portrait signed by the beautiful actress-singer in Japanese characters (the other writing appears to be in another hand).  Takamine (1918-1990) was a top leading lady since the pre-war era with roles in such classics as Hiroshi Shimizu's The Masseurs and a Woman (1938) and Nobuko (1940), Yasujiro Ozu's Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family (1941), and Kenji Mizoguchi's The 47 Ronin (1941).  She is best known to international audiences for her role as Buddha in the famous comedy-fantasy series, Monkey (1978-1980), a worldwide hit in syndication.  (Vintage original photograph; true vintage autograph)

Condition:  Fine with some age-toning, insignificant silvering to some of the darker areas, and light wear