The Spirit of the Ground Spider, 1873

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

The Spirit of the Ground Spider, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Spirit of the Ground Spider, 1873

Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene from the story of the ground spider, one of the most famous Japanese folktales. The great warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu, known as Raiko, fell ill with a fever and dreamed of an earth spider preparing to cast a web over him. He struck at it with his sword and immediately recovered from his fever, chasing the ground spider to its lair and killing it with the aid of his retainers. In the center, an elegant courtesan appears as the spirit of the ground spider, carrying a fantastic umbrella with a spider web design on the underside. She looks back over her shoulder with a wild-eyed grin at a samurai holding a lantern aloft. The warrior wears red stage makeup, giving him a fierce appearance as he glares at the beauty. A blind masseur sits at lower left holding a cane, a blue cloth wrapped around his head. At right, Raiko, wearing a purple sash tied rakishly around his head, draws his sword as the samurai at right grimaces at him, waving a branch of red maple leaves. His long hair flows loosely over his shoulders, and he wears a gray kimono patterned with swirling clouds and red flames. From left, the actors are Nakamura Nakazo, Nakamura Shikan as the blind masseur, Kawarazaki Sansho, Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Raiko, and Nakamura Shikan. A fascinating subject filled with large expressive figures. Wonderfully detailed with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams with a few areas of light toning along edges. Some small holes and areas of ink offsetting in all three panels. Faint soiling throughout subject. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Spirit of the Ground Spider, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
The Spirit of the Ground Spider, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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