Kunisada: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII and Frog Magic

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)
Title: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII and Frog Magic
Date: 1860

Series: Toyokuni manga zue (Illustrations by Toyokuni)

Ichimura Uzaemon XIII in the role of Tenjiku Tokubei. Tokubei was a famous explorer whose exploits were made into a number of kabuki plays. In most plays he learned magical frog powers from Sokan. Here he employs his frog magic to summon a giant frog, seen in the background, whose toothed mouth emits a poisonous-looking red cloud of vapor. Tokubei wears the jaunty scarf of the otokodate character, as well as oversized formal robes that fill the page. His hair is fluffy on top, showing that he does not adhere to societal conventions such as shaving his pate. This series is known for its fantastic printing quality.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. With backing and tiny wormage upper left.

Dimensions: ôban (35 x 24.1 cm)
Signature: ni konomi Toyokuni ga (by special request Toyokuni)
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi

SKU: KUS500