Kunisada: Princess Wakana and Spider Magic (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada
Title: Princess Wakana and Spider Magic
Date: 1853

The Tale of Shiranui (Shiranui Monogatari) was an epic illustrated gôkan comic book that was published between 1849 and 1855. The tale revolves around the clash between the Kikuchi and Ôtomo clans. Princess Wakana is given the power of spider magic by the Spirit of the Earth Spider. Here she is shown unfurling the magic scroll that conjures the spirit of the Earth Spider. The panel at left reads “Transformation of Princess Wakana”, and the other cartouches read “Washi-zu Roku-rô”, “Washi-zu Shichi-rô” and “Genk-kai nada Uemon” (left to right). A kabuki play was based on this tale and originally adapted for the stage by Kawatake Mokuami. (Interestingly, here only the characters’ names are given and not the name of the actors.) Originally a gokan comic book that was written by Ryûkatei Tanekazu.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some wordage and color loss. Fold along left edge of center sheet.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Signature: Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS434