Kunisada: Ghost Rising from Flame (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada Title: Female Ghost Rising from Flames Series: Scenes of Darkness and Suffering (Mitate yame zukushi) Date: 1855 The kabuki actors Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Tomoenojô and Bandô Shûka I as Michinoku. The courtesan appears as a ghost who rises from a magical fire, smiling down at Michinoku who seems to have summoned her via a powerful spell. Several papers covered with script have created a magical flame from which the ghost has emanated. Michinoku wears robes featuring wisteria designs, and far from being grief-stricken, the two seem to be quite happy to see each other. The title of the play may be “The Suffering of the Turns of Fate” (Rin’e no yami). Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked; exceptional.  Dimensions: ôban (37.8 x 26 cm) Publisher: Hayashiya Shôgorô Literature: See MFA and FAMSF websites. Signature: Toyokuni ga