Samurai and Spider Princess, 1853

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Samurai and Spider Princess, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Samurai and Spider Princess, 1853

Comments - Fascinating kabuki scene of a samurai kneeling on the floor next to a beautiful princess. Frowning unhappily, he stares across the room at an enormous spider clutching a cloth wrapped parcel at lower right. The beauty smiles coyly at him, looking over her shoulder, her long hair flowing over her back. She wears a blue kimono patterned with dragonflies, a cluster of blue flowers adorning her hair. A large, tattered spider web fills the window behind her, radiating from around her head like an eerie halo. A cherry tree blooms overhead, with petals drifting down over the night sky. The actor at left is Bando Takesaburo. An intriguing supernatural subject, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 19 5/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached the seams with some light paper remnants from previous backing. Slight creasing and fraying along edges. Light soiling and rubbing in subject with a few small holes near edges and corner, repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Samurai and Spider Princess, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Samurai and Spider Princess, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.