Kuniyoshi: Actors as Lanterns

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi Title: Actors as Lanterns Series: Twelve Acts of the Lantern Chûshingura (Ju-ni dan shoku kanadehon chûshingura) Date: ca. 1852 The actor Ichikawa Danjûrô VIII as Momonoi Wakasanosuke is portrayed as the largest figure. In the inset cartouche are two other actors whose faces and hair are comprised of Japanese paper lanterns. They pose in front of a screen that also bears designs of lanterns. This somehow relates to Act II of the Chushingura, or the saga of the 47 Ronin. Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Binding holes along left edge. Dimensions: ôban Publisher: Mita-ya Kihachi Literature: Robinson series 218.2. Seal: Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga with his paulownia seal