Yaoya Oshichi, 1857

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Yaoya Oshichi, 1857 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Yaoya Oshichi, 1857

Series; The Thirty-six Outstanding Poems

Yaoya Oshichi, 1857 - Terrific image of Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the sixteen-year-old beauty Yaoya Oshichi, shown in an acting style known as ningyoburi in which puppeteers dressed in black give the illusion of manipulating the actor in the exaggerated movements of a puppet. A large wooden fire tower looms in the background. In 1681 Yaoya sought shelter in a temple after a fire and fell in love with the priest there. The next year she set fire to her own home in a desperate bid to see him again. The resulting massive fire burned a large section of Edo, and she was arrested and burned alive for her crime. The puppeteers are Arashi Kichiroku I, Bando Muraemon I, and Bando Matataro VI. A dramatic image from this true story, which became the basis for several kabuki plays.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Most prints have a few small holes or thinning spots, a few have losses at corners or edges, repaired. A few have spotting or staining. Soiling and rubbing, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.

Yaoya Oshichi, 1857 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Yaoya Oshichi, 1857 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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