Kuniyoshi: Tôken Gonbei (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Tôken Gonbei
Series: Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion: Kuniyoshi moyô shôfuda zuketari genkin otoko
Date: ca. 1845

Tôken Gonbei, an apprentice of Banzui Chôbei, is portrayed in three-quarter back view, looking at his strong features in a hand-mirror. His kimono pattern features dramatic scenes of the King of Hell and other scenes from hell. This series features large, boldly drawn half-length figures of otokodate dramatic characters on grey ground with a poem above. The title of this series probably echoes that of a play, Shôfuda tsuki kongen kusazuri, staged at the Kawarazaki theatre in the first month of the second year of Kôka period (February 1845). Due to the remaining influence of the draconianTenpô reforms, Kuniyoshi could not portrait realistically any Kabuki actor. Poem by Takaraya Masuo.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Slight trimming.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Kinsei-dô: Ibaya Hisabei
Literature: B.W.Robinson:Kuniyoshi, 1982. p.126
Seal: nanushi seal: Hama Yahei (used 1842-46)
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY242