Kunisada: Thunder and Lightning Magic. The actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I in the role of Narukami Shonin (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Title: The actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro (Ichikawa Danjuro IX) in the role of Narukami Shonin 鳴神上人 
Series: Competition of the art of magic done by Toyokuni 豊国揮毫奇術競 (Toyokuni kigô kijutsu arasoi)
Date: 12/1862

The actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro (Ichikawa Danjuro IX) in the role of Narukami Shonin 鳴神上人 in a blaze of magical fire. His hands accentuate the upward motion of the flames and his hair stands on end as if electrified. A flash of lightning strikes the air behind him as he floats on a cloud of swirling flames, his anger at being deceived strong enough in this scene to raise hellfire. The sky above has a heavy application of deluxe mica, and his silver/grey robe also has added mica. His outer robe, which has been tied around his waist, has extensive patterns of blindprinting to mimic the luxurious silk brocade. This series is famous for the deluxe printing of the first editions, as here. Perfect drama!

Dimensions: ôban (38.7 x 26.3 cm)
Publisher: Hirano-ya
Signature: nanajû hachi sai Toyokuni hitsu (brush of Toyokuni at 78 years old)

SKU: KUS515