Kunichika: Kabuki Triptych with Rat Magic (Sold)

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika
Title: Actor Triptych with Rat Ghost
Date: 1872

A giant rat spectre appears in this kabuki triptych, seeming to menace the central character, an onnagata who holds a cord in her hand. To the right is a member of the Ichikawa clan, who is performing a magical mudra, probably creating the magic for the rat to appear. He may be in the role of Shimizu no Kanja. To the left is a member of the Nakamura acting lineage in the role of a high-ranking samurai. The black portions of the robe of the Ichikawa actor have been printed with a shiny, black-over-black pattern. 

Condition: Excellent impression; very good color and condition. Backed. Untrimmed sheets.

Dimensions: ôban triptych (36 x 72 cm)
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu

SKU: KCA084