Kunisada: Courtesan Watching Summer Lightning Next to Spinning Lantern

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)
Title: Hinatsuru ひな鶴の話

Series: An Excellent Selection of Thirty-Six Noted Courtesans [Compared to the Thirty-six Famous Poets] 名妓三十六優選 (Meigi Sanju Rokkasen) Date: 1861

A courtesan looks out of her latticed window to a night sky that shows a dramatic crack of red and yellow lightning. She wears a kimono with the feathers of a phoenix, which perhaps references the famous folktale of Hagoromo (The Robe of Feathers), which was also staged as a Noh play. The poem at top refers to her departed lover, as well as the sound of the cuckoo in the stillness of the night. She holds her hand to one side of her face, the sleeve covering her hand. Her robe is loosely fashioned, and her pose and expression convey a lovely moment of relaxation. Next to her and her kneeling friend is a black pot with holes that has smoke wafting out. This may be a deterrent to mosquitos and other insects. Beside her on the bench is a charming spinning lantern (somato) that shows running men, presumably firemen. These lanterns were traditionally enjoyed during hot summer nights at home. A teacup sits beside her.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Exceptional condition.
Dimensions: ôban (37.9 cm x 25.7 cm)
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo  Signature: Ôju Toyokuni ga 応需豊国画

SKU: KUS619