Kunichika: Shinigami; the god of death (Sold)

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika
Title: Shinigami; the god of death
Series: Baiko Hyakushu (One Hundred Roles of Baiko)
Date: 1893

The kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro V as Shinigami, the god of death. He appears here in the classic haunting ghost form; emaciated and only printed in shades of grey. His spooky hands feature bokashi, and two teeth peek out from his lips. The only giveaway that he is an actor are his eyes, which appear in classic form. Above is Onoe Matsusuke IV as Tobi no mono Goroji in the play Kaga Tobi. A magical flame hovers in the upper right of the composition, indicating that something spooky is going on. The flame actually “burns” into the title cartouche, which is unusual.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Small paper overlay on left margin.
Dimensions: ôban (36.2 x 24.1 cm)
Publisher: Fukuda Kumajirô and Gusokuya Kahei
Seal: Toshidama
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu

SKU: KCA075