Kuniyoshi: Cat Witch, Cat Spectre and Dancing Cats (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Cat Witch, Cat Spectre and Dancing Cats
Date: 1847

Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, Okazaki. Very rare design of a scene from the kabuki play “Onoe Kikugoro ichidai banashi” performed at the Ichimuraya theater in the 7th month of 1847. Left is Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Inaba no Suke, center is Onoe Kikugoro II as the ghost of the Old Cat, and Sawamura Sojuro V as Tamashima Itto. The scene involves a scene at the deserted Muryôji Temple in Okazaki. Two cats dancing on their hind legs, a cat witch and her alter ego, the giant evil cat-spirit. The visage of the giant cat-spirit appears from behind the damaged screen, eyes yellow and glaring. The cat witch, holding the baby of Osode., looks up in surprise at Itto, who lifts his head covering to glare at her.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some trimming top and right side and center fold and minor repairs and tiny wormage.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Ezakiya Kichibei
Literature: See BM website.
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY457