Sinking Ship, 1887

by Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Current Status

Sinking Ship, 1887 by Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Original Kunisada III (1848 - 1920) Japanese Woodblock Print
Sinking Ship, 1887

Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene of two men on a sinking ship. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Tatsuo Kondo and Ichikawa Sadanji I as Mikura Tomizo. Kondo wraps one arm and one leg around the mast at left, clinging to the rigging as waves crash over the ship. At right, Tomizo tumbles backwards with an alarmed expression grabbing hold of a rope as he loses his balance. His striped kimono hangs open at the chest, revealing a button front shirt. A full moon glows low above the horizon in the night sky above the undulating sea. A great example of a "zangirimono" or "cropped hair play," referring to Meiji era kabuki plays with contemporary characters featuring modern, closely-cropped hairstyles. A terrific design, detailed with burnishing on the black uniform and a dusting of mica on the waves.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 26 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Please see photos for details.

Sinking Ship, 1887 by Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)
Sinking Ship, 1887 by Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

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