Kuniyoshi: Actor Iwai Kumesaburo III and the Restaurant Yagenaki (Yagenbori) 薬研ほり　おりえ

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Actor Iwai Kumesaburo III and the Restaurant Yagenaki (Yagenbori) 薬研ほり　おりえ Series: Thirty-six Fashionable Restaurants of the Eastern Capital (Tôto ryûkô san-jû-rokkwaiseki, 東都流行三十六會席)
Date: 1852

The actor Iwai Kumesaburo III shields her face with the sleeve of her black kimono, perhaps hiding her visage from a person she would rather not see. The black surrounding her face and the rather large size of the figure make this a strong portrait, the white of her face and her expression standing out. Behind her is a snowy street scene, with pedestrians carrying snow-laden umbrellas on a busy street, and the entrance to a restaurant shown at left in the background. On the second floor of the restaurant we glimpse seated patrons. Surrounding the title cartouche are several charming objects, which seem to mostly be toys and must relate to the play that is being referenced. These include a daruma doll and a toy drum with clappers. The relationship between the role of the actor and the restaurant is a complex one that it would take a specialist scholar to untangle.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Condition is exceptional. 

Dimensions: ôban (36 x 25 cm)
Publisher: Yamaguchi-ya Tôbei
Literature: Robinson series  number 187. Seal: kiri
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY067