Kunisada: Magician of Power (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada
Title: Magician of Power
Series: Competition of the art of magic done by Toyokuni (Toyokuni kigô kijutsu kurabe)
Date: 1863

The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the magician Moun Kokushi. His expression of total concentration is emphasized by the explosion emanating from by behind his head, where even the earth element is exploding. He holds a Vajrayana bell in his right hand, and his left he forms a mudra of power with two upturned fingers. From the fingers emanate a cloud of grey-blue smoke. In front of him is placed a footed container holding a white substance (rice?). There is blindprinting in his beard, in the rice, on his sleeves, and the print has every luxurious element of printing imaginable. The best design in this excellent series.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Mint.
Dimensions: ôban (38 x 25.9 cm)
Publisher: Hirano-ya Shinzo
Signature: nanajû kyu sai Toyokuni hitsu (brush of Toyokuni at 79 years old)

SKU: KUS364