Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786-1865)
According to legend, the young Minamoto no Yoshitsune (his childhood name being Ushiwakamaru) learned the martial arts from Sôjôbô, the mythical old king of the winged tengus on Mt. Kurama, north of Kyoto. In this nocturnal scene, Ushiwakamaru balances on the outstretched muscular arm of the Tengu king, who is dressed as a yamabushi, a mountain warrior-monk.
Title: Ushiwakamaru
Series: Honchô kômei (o. kômyô) kagami (A Mirror of Great People of our Country)
Signature: Kôchô Kunisada ga
Engraver: Horikô Suzuki Ei (Suzuki Eijirô)
Publisher: Jôshûya Kinzô (Jôkin), Edo
Censorship: Kiwame
Date: C. 1835
Size:Vertical Ôban, 37,4 x 26 cm (overall)
Excellent impression, very good colours. Full sheet, unbacked. Three wormholes, left margin has a few small notches. Overall very good condition. A very rare print with a great and humorous depiction of the Tengu king. Cf. MFA Boston 64.820, also Waseda 201-2718.
sold