Kunisada: Moon of Looking Back; the Courtesan Akoya

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 国貞 (1786-1865)

Title: Moon of Looking Back (Mikaeru tsuki): Actor Ichikawa Shinsha I as the Courtesan (Yûkun) Akoya 見立月尽し

Series: Scenes in Moonlight (Mitate tsuki zukushi) みかへる月　遊君あこや Date: 1857

The kabuki actor Ichikawa Shinsha I as the Courtesan (Yûkun) Akoya . Possibly from the play "Dan-no-ura Kabuto Gunki", also known as “Akoya”. She wears layers of luxurious kimono, and looks over her shoulder at the full moon. In the play she was the mistress of Taira Kagekiyo, who escaped following the decisive battle of Dan-no-ura. She was kidnapped by the enemy Genji commander for questioning to reveal her lover’s whereabouts.  A palanquin awaits her, at left.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.  
Dimensions: ôban (35 x 24 cm)
Signature: Toyokuni ga 豊国画

SKU: KUS595