Kunisada: Banda Shuka as Princess Fuse Holding Buddhist Scroll in a Mountain Retreat Setting

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 豊国三代
Title: Bando Shuka I as Princess Fuse Reading Buddhist Sutras
Series: Allusions to the Zodiac Signs Nazorae-Eto-Awase  擬絵当合 also called “A Calendar of Hit Comparisons with Picture Play”
Date: 1861

We see Bando Shuka I as Princess Fuse who is shown holding a sutra scroll and wearing Buddhist prayer beads. She becomes the mother of the Eight Dog Heroes of Japan.  Behind her is a flowing stream and a rocky outcropping. Above her in a fan-shaped cartouche is Sawamura Chojuro V, who shoulders a pole. He is in the role of Kanamari Daisuke.

In this series there are twelve zodiac designs and ten element signs represented. This represents the sign of the Dog, the ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac. The first part of the series was published in 1852, and the second part in 1861.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban (36.3 x 24.5 cm)
Publisher: Ebisuya Shoshichi

Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS558