The Witch Ibaraki Retrieving Her Arm, 1883

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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The Witch Ibaraki Retrieving Her Arm, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Witch Ibaraki Retrieving Her Arm, 1883

Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene from the tale of the witch Ibaraki, a demon who dwelled at Rashomon Gate near Toji temple in Kyoto. Lord Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko), sent his trusted retainer Watanabe no Tsuna to slay the demon, but during the fierce battle, Tsuna only managed to cut off her arm. Later as Watanabe performed Shinto prayers over the arm, Ibaraki returned disguised as his elderly aunt, and retrieved her arm. Here, the evil Ibaraki clutches the dismembered arm in her left hand, her long hair whipping around her face. The fierce samurai grasps his sword and lunges at the demon as she flies up into the night sky. Light embossed detail in the hair and white kimono trim, with burnishing in the black court cap and fine bokashi shading in the background. The actors are Onoe Kikugoro V as Ibaraki and Ichikawa Sadanji I as Watanabe no Tsuna. A great illustration from this legendary Japanese ghost story.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Small losses at corners and top edge, a few small holes, repaired. Soiling, slight toning. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Witch Ibaraki Retrieving Her Arm, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
The Witch Ibaraki Retrieving Her Arm, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)