Kuniyoshi 国芳: Raijin, The God of Thunder, After Dropping his Grappling Hook and Thunderclap Drums 加美鳴 (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 国芳 (1798-1861)
Title: Raijin, The God of Thunder, After Dropping his Grappling Hook and Thunderclap Drums 加美鳴 Giga-e
Date: ca. 1847

Our view is amidst the clouds. We see Raijin, the Thunder God, reacting with surprise as he’s dropped his grappling hook, which he was certainly using to try to retrieve his den-den- daiko drums from which he creates thunderclaps. He seems to be chasing after them from the cloud above, his three-fingered-hands outstretched. The thundercloud above him seems to be holding on to him, keeping him aloft. Titled Kaminari 加美鳴, Kuniyoshi has created a very humorous take on what is perhaps a scene from the dance performance Shiki utsushi tosae no futsutsuka (四季写士佐画拙) performed at the Ichimura Theater in the 11th month of 1847, with Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the title role. Kaminari-sama is another name for Raijin. The use of space in this work increases the humor of it, as we see Raijin at the top, drifting clouds in space, and then the object of his attention at the very bottom. A scarce and fantastic giga-e, or humorous “fun” print.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: ôban 36 x 24 cm
Publisher: Shimizuya Naijirô
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY562