Kunisada: Lovers Escaping in the Snow (Sold)

  • Sold.

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Title: Lovers Kasuga-ya Tokijiro and Yamana-ya Urazato 
Date: 1855

The characters Kasuga-ya Tokijiro and Yamana-ya Urazato from the kabuki play known commonly as “Urazato Tokijiro”. The beautiful courtesan and her sweetheart Tokijiro are fleeing during a snowstorm. She looks behind her for pursuers; both are barefoot, so we assume they had to make their escape in a hurry. The snowflakes above have been hand-applied; a mixture of gofun was spattered in the sky to imitate snow. Later impressions seem to lack this extra element. The title cartouche features an image of two bats. 

Condition: Excellent impression. Very good color and condition.  Untrimmed and unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban (36.5 x 25.1 cm)
Publisher: Ebisuya
Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUC038S