Kunisada: Triptych with Vertical Sheet of the Evil Minister of the Left and the Triplets (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786-1865)
Title: Triptych with Vertical Sheet of the Evil Minister Shihei
Date: 1857

From the play Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, the story concerning Sugawara no Michizane’s defeat in the Heian period. Here is the scene of triplet sons who serve three masters as they confront an evil minister in his palanquin. Unusual format of a triptych with an additional top sheet to better relay the imagery that was seen on the stage. At top is Shihei, who here as the Minister of the Left is considered the enemy character; he wears an oversized court cap and holds a special sword..  At bottom are the three triplets who serve different masters. Umeomaru serves Sugawara, Matsuomaru in the middle serves the enemy Shihei and the youngest, Sakuramaru, serves the empworors’ brother. The two at left wear upper garments of stylized cherry blossom, while the brother at right wears stylized pines. With blidnprinting in the white areas.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. A few minor wrinkles.
Dimensions: Four Oban sheets, each approx. 37.5 x 25.5 cm
Publisher: Kinshodo
Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS485