Kuniyoshi: Chapter 18, Matsukaze (Wind in the Pines) (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Chapter 18, Matsukaze (Wind in the Pines)
Series: Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji (Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase)
Date: 1845-46

The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the pirate Kezori Kuemon. He wears exotic robes and grasps a large axe as he looks warily towards a cloudy full moon and seems to be about to rap his knuckles on a suspiciously large box. Mostl likely from the play “Hakata kojorô nami makura” (Love at Sea). Audiences loved the exotic foreign setting and clothes featured in this play. The title cartouche in the shape of a handscroll on the top shows a chapter from Genji Monogatari, along with a waka poem that relates to the chapter. Below is the mitate (comparison picture), and the text of the historical background. This work is in unusually fine condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Iseya Ichibei
Literature: Robinson S45.18.
Seal: Censor’s: Murata Heiemon (single seal 1842-46)
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY397