Kuniyoshi: Chapter 27, Kagaribi (Flares) (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Chapter 27, Kagaribi (Flares)
Series: Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji (Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase)
Date: 1845-46

The actor Bandô Shuka as the nun Seigen-ni in a boat in a scene from the kabuki play Onoe Iwafuji. Light rain falls as she lifts her hat to observe the night-fishing boat in the background. The fire-in-a-basket theme is echoed in the upper cartouche. Although a cloaked actor portrait from the period of the Tenpô Reforms, here Kuniyoshi has chosen to depict the scene in a naturalistic style. The title cartouche in the shape of a handscroll on the top shows a chapter from Genji Monogatari, along with a waka poem that relates to the chapter. Below is the mitate (comparison picture), and the text of the historical background.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Iseya Ichibei
Literature: Robinson S45.27
Seal: Censor’s: Murata Heiemon (single seal 1842-46)
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY395