Titles of Dance Descriptions - Designed between 1856 and 1858, Toyokuni III's large series "Titles of Dance Descriptions" presents scenes from a variety of kabuki plays, including some from performances a few years prior to publication. Each includes expressive figures in nicely detailed settings, and some feature deluxe treatments such as burnishing or embossing. The title cartouche take the form of two overlapping books, with text featuring the name of the play, the date of the performance, and the roles. These handsome designs are seldom seen, and are a nice choice for a kabuki enthusiast or Toyokuni III collector.

Scene from Minoriyoshi Kogane no Kikuzuki, 1857 - Fantastic scene from the kabuki play "Minori yoshi kogane no kikuzuki," based on the famous ghost story of Okiku and the Dish Mansion. The evil samurai Asayama Tetsuzan falsely accused the maid Okiku of losing one dish from a valuable ten-piece set. He orders his retainer Iwabuchi to torture her, dropping her into a well, trying to make her agree to his advances. If she accepts his proposition, the missing dish will be forgiven, but Okiku refuses and the pair eventually kills her. After committing the murder, the ghost of Okiku returns to haunt them, endlessly counting the dishes. Here the ghastly blue-faced spirit appears in a wisp of smoke, placing a hand on the retainer's shoulder as Tetsuzan stares at her in disbelief. A supernatural red flame flickers above her head, and the well can be seen at lower right. The actors shown are Nakayama Ichizo, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV in a performance at the Nakamura Theater in 1850. A terrific dramatic illustration of this popular tale, with fine shading in the dark night sky and great detail.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 9" + margins as shown

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