Kunimaro: Jiraiya and Giant Snake (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunimaro
Title: Jiraiya and Giant Snake
Date: 1852

Heroic Story of Jiraiya (Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari). „Heroic Story of Jiraiya“ by Mizugakiya Egao was published in 1806 and continued until 1868 in 43 volumes with a great success. Four authors and seven ukiyo-e artists (Kunisada, Kuniteru, Kunimori, Baichóró Kunisada, Kuniyoshi, Kunifuda, and Yoshiiku) contributed for these publications. In 1852, a Kabuki version of the story was written by Kawatake Mokuami and played at Kawarazaki-za theater in Edo. Ichikawa Danjúró VIII played Jiraiya and it was a great hit. On this occasion many nishiki-e was published. Judging from the facial expression of the actor in this print, this must be one of those prints. Here Jiraiya is depicted with his hyakunichi-mage hair style, carrying 2 swords and a gun and stares at a huge snake, Orochi-maru. Orochi-maru was possessed by the evil snake spirit for most of the play.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Minor trimming.
Dimensions: 35.7 x 24.4 cm
Publisher: Daikokuya Heikichi
Seal: Kinugasa and Murata
Signature: Kunimaro ga

SKU: KNM010