The Peony Lantern, 1892

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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The Peony Lantern, 1892 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Peony Lantern, 1892

Comments - Fantastic scene from a kabuki play based on the famous ghost story "The Peony Lantern." The beauty Tsuyu fell in love with the handsome young Shinzaburo, and after she and her maidservant died suddenly, they visited the samurai each night as ghosts. He was, however, unaware that they were spirits, and the story ends tragically. Here, the ghost of Tsuyu peer through the tattered window of her former lover, wearing a gray kimono patterned with delicate leaves and blossoms over a pink under robe. Her hair is pulled back into a smooth bun adorned with a comb and many ribbons, a few locks framing her face and neck. Her maid stands beneath a willow tree behind her, looking back over her shoulder at a kneeling man and gesturing toward the beauty. He leans forward with grim frown as he watches the figures, dressed only in a striped kimono, a towel clenched in his hand. Each woman carries a lantern in the shape of a peony blossom, with flowing cloth panels. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro V as Kurihashi, Onoe Kikugoro V again as the maidservant, and Onoe Eizaburo V as Tsuyu. A wonderful, atmospheric design, with fine bokashi shading in the sky and shoji window.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28" + left margin as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, attached at the seams, backed with paper. Vertical fold in center panel. A few small holes along fold line, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Peony Lantern, 1892 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
The Peony Lantern, 1892 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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