The Ghost of Bun'ya Haunting His Murderer, 1856

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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The Ghost of Bun'ya Haunting His Murderer, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Ghost of Bun'ya Haunting His Murderer, 1856

Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene the former samurai Itamiya Jube being awakened by the bloodied ghost of Bun'ya, the man he murdered. While traveling, the evil Jube killed the poor blind masseur Bun'ya for his money. Here, the victim's ghost has returned to haunt him. Jube sits up in bed as the ghastly spirit places a hand upon his side, staring at him with an awful grimace. He throws his hand out in self-defense as he grimaces angrily, a tobacco set, pipe and pillow resting on the floor nearby. A lantern send as a diagonal shaft of light across the bed, casting shadows from the low folding screen across the pair as a supernatural red flame dances in the air. At left, Jube's wife, Oshizu, astonished to see the spirit, cowers behind her kimono sleeve. Barrels of sake wrapped in straw mats sit on the shelves of their store behind her, with dishes of food set out on a wooden chest at lower left. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro IV, Bando Kamezo I, and Ichikawa Kodanjji IV. A fantastic supernatural subject with expressive figures and a handsomely detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold. Small loss at corners, a few holes, repaired. Creasing throughout, light stain on beauty's face. Please see photos for details.

The Ghost of Bun'ya Haunting His Murderer, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
The Ghost of Bun'ya Haunting His Murderer, 1856 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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