Wrestling with a Giant Carp, 1856

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Wrestling with a Giant Carp, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Wrestling with a Giant Carp, 1856

Comments - Incredible scene from the kabuki play "Konoshita Kage Hazama Gassen," showing two men wrestling with an enormous carp amidst swelling waves and splashing foam. From left, the actors are Otani Tomomatsu I as Hanyuya Sukeshiro and Onoe Kikujiro II as Konoshitagawa Kosuke. At left, Sukeshiro forces the giant fish out of the water on his shoulders as Kosuke grabs the thrashing tail, raising his sword overhead to strike. Sukeshiro scowls unhappily, his lips tightly pressed together, while Kosuke stares at him expectantly out of the corners of his eyes. A terrific, bold design, with the beautifully detailed carp curving across the page, creating a lively sense of movement echoed by the waves. A great design. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 19 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few small wormholes, tiny loss at top right corner of left panel, repaired. Light soiling, a few creases near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Wrestling with a Giant Carp, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Wrestling with a Giant Carp, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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