Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) Wakana Hime with Spider, c.1880. Koban.
A lovely koban print, related to the previous Kunisada print of Jaraiya. Wakana Hime, a princess with magical powers, is pictured conjuring a spider. These portraits of magicians were very popular in Edo Japan and reflected various plays that dealt with the magical contests between mythical heroes. There is an extremely fine Kunisada series, Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe (Toyokuni’s a Contest of Magical Scenes) which pictures both these magicians.
Very nice print in good condition, good colour and impression.
