Kunisada: Slug Magic with the Brave Woman Yufu Tsunade (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Title: The heroine Yûfu-Tsunade 勇婦綱手(Tsunate-hime), played by the actor Samamura Tanosuke III,
Series: Competition of the art of magic done by Toyokuni 豊国揮毫奇術競 (Toyokuni kigô kijutsu arasoi)
Date: 1861

The heroine Yûfu-Tsunade 勇婦綱手(Tsunate-hime), played by the actor Samamura Tanosuke III, employs Slug magic to ride over the sea, checking for any followers behind her. We see plovers rising up behind her. From the kabuki play Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari, whose story revolves around Jiraiya, master of Frog Magic, and Tsunade, master of Slug  Magic. Here Tsunade may be carrying in her right hand the precious sword Namikirimaru, which she and Jiraiya will need to defeat the villainous Orochimaru, master of Snake Magic. First edition works from this series, as here, are prized for their luxurious printing. The magical slug and her sash feature blindprinting (gauffrage), and there are mica highlights in the sky.

Dimensions: ôban (36.5 x 25 cm)
Publisher: Hirano-ya
Signature: nanajû hachi sai Toyokuni hitsu (brush of Toyokuni at 78 years old)

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked.

SKU: KUC030S