Yoshitoshi 芳年: Bloody Uchimura Uzaemon XII as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke (SOLD)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Title:  Uchimura Uzaemon XII as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke Date: 1862

From the play “Aoto zoshi hana no nishiki-e”, we see Benten Kozo has already given himself the fatal wound of self-destruction, and we see the blood (and worse) pouring from his abdomen. He steadies himself with a pole arm weapon, and we see just a small peek at the famous arm tattoo worn by this character. The deathly shade of sallow blue is overtaking his visage, showing that he has little time left. The play premiered at the Ichimuraza in 1862 with the classic theme of five dandyish thieves. Ichimura Uzaemon VIII was the future Onoe Kikugoro V. Here he has been battling the police on a temple roof, and finding no way out, has decided to take the “honorable” route. The plot of the play reflects the government-supported theme of “encouraging the good and punishing the evil”.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition

Dimensions: ôban 36.7 x 24.5 cm

Literature:  Keyes number 58.  Signature: Ikkeisai Yoshitoshi ga

SKU: YOT947