Kunisada: Ghost Rising from Flame (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada
Title: Female Ghost Rising from Flames
Series: Scenes of Darkness and Suffering (Mitate yame zukushi)
Date: 1855

The kabuki actors Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Tomoenojô and Bandô Shûka I as Michinoku. The courtesan appears as a ghost who rises from a magical fire, smiling down at Michinoku who seems to have summoned her via a powerful spell. Several papers covered with script have created a magical flame from which the ghost has emanated. Michinoku wears robes featuring wisteria designs, and far from being grief-stricken, the two seem to be quite happy to see each other. The title of the play may be “The Suffering of the Turns of Fate” (Rin’e no yami).

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked; exceptional. 
Dimensions: ôban (37.8 x 26 cm)
Publisher: Hayashiya Shôgorô
Literature: See MFA and FAMSF websites.
Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS469