Kunisada: Full Moon; Kabuki Actor Wearing a Kimono with Love Letter Embroidery

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 国貞 (1786-1865)

Title: Full Moon (Mochizuki): Actor Kataoka Gadô II as as Fujiya Izaemon

Series: Scenes in Moonlight (Mitate tsuki zukushi) みかへる月　遊君あこや Date: 1855

Fujiya Izaemon is a wagoto character who was involved in a love affair with the courtesan Yugiri. The play is known as "Kuruwa Bunsho", and is based on the original work by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. His costume in this scene is embroidered with passages from a love letter; stitched with gold and silver thread, it would have been mesmerizing to the audience. In this scene he holds a traveling hat and fan, and seems to be waiting near an entrance to perhaps sneak a visit to his former lover. This play is still staged today.

Condition: Excellent impression and condition; very good color.  
Dimensions: ôban (35 x 24 cm)
Signature: Toyokuni ga 豊国画

SKU: KUS594