Yoshitora: Man with Dragon Tattoo

Artist: Utagawa Yoshitora (active ca. 1836-1887)
Title: Tattooed Bando Hikasaburo V with Red Lantern
Date: 1862

The kabuki actor Bando Hikasaburo V holds a red lantern aloft and looks up and to his right, his expression conveying suspicion. His tenugui towel is tied in a twisted, jaunty fashion into a headband, and his tie-dyed cotton garment only covers his left shoulder. On his right shoulder we see a tattoo of a dragon amidst clouds. The small cartouche reads “Chichibuyama”, or Mount Chichibu. There is added mica that sparkles in the sky. 

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. With two small tape hinge remnants upper verso.
Dimensions: ôban (37 x 25.5 cm)
Signature: Yoshitora ga

SKU: YST021