Kunisada: Nakamura Utaemon IV as the dying Heike General Tomomori (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Title: Number 51, Nagato Province; Nakamura Utaemon IV in the role of the dying Heike General Tomomori
Series:"Kunizukushi Yamato Meiyo" (Japan's Glory in the Provinces Enumerated).
Date: 1853

We see Kunisada’s adroitness as an artist, as he has skillfully combined an actor print with a warrior print. The dying general Tomomori holds a bladed weapon whose handle has snapped; he leans on it,  the enemy’s broken arrows jutting from his full armor. His face is the blue of a dying warrior, but the features and expression are those of a kabuki actor. With an inset cartouche image that was done by one of Kunisada’s students.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Minor binding holes at left.
Dimensions: chuban (24.8 x 18 cm)
Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS501