Ghost Avenging His Death, 1853

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Ghost Avenging His Death, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Ghost Avenging His Death, 1853

Comments - Incredible illustration of a scene from the play "Kaidan Kohada Koheiji" of the actor Kohada Koheiji being tortured to death by his wife's lover, fellow actor Adachi Sakuro, and his henchman. Tied to a wooden pole beneath Shinto purification wands, the bloodied man looks up with an expression of excruciating pain as Sakuro thrusts his sword at him and the priest at left jabs at him with a smoking hot piece of wood from a bonfire on the bank. His ghost emerges from the lamp at center, looking down on the scene with a sad expression, his face blue and blood staining his robe. Known for playing kabuki ghosts, Koheiji becomes after his death one to haunt his killers and avenge his death. At right, Koheiji's wife Otsuka looks over her shoulder with a sly smile as she watches from the bamboo beneath a willow tree. At left, untended grave markers are scattered throughout the foliage beneath a dark night sky. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Koheiji's Ghost, Asao Okuyama III as Gensai Bozu Toroku, Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Kohada Koheiji, Bando Hikosaburo IV as Adachi Sakuro, and Bando Shuka I as Otsuka. This kabuki tale is apparently based on parts of a true story. A fantastic supernatural design with an eerie setting. A great choice for a collector interested in classic Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 25 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper and tape remnants on reverse from previous backing and mounting. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Ghost Avenging His Death, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Ghost Avenging His Death, 1853 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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