Kiyotada - The Ghost of Taira no Tomomori

Torii Kiyotada VII (1875 - 1941)

Date: 1939
Genre: Shin hanga - Yakusha-e
Medium: Woodblock Print. 10"x 16"

This dramatic actor portrait by the artist Torii Kiyotada VII dates from 1939 and depicts the ghost of Taira no Tomomori, one of the great tragic figures of Japanese history.
Kiyotada's late actor prints are wonderfully expressive, combining these zoomed in actor portraits with really intricate details. This deluxe edition features embossing on the kimono and on the outside border. Metallic inks were also used, in this case we have silver and this pearlescent white. The print comes with it's original envelope/folder.

In this print, we can tell that we're looking at a ghost. His skin is a lifeless blue color, there's a wound on his forehead, and broken arrows still pierce his body. He's holding the massive anchor that became part of his legend.

Tomomori was a commander of the Taira clan during the Genpei War in the late twelfth century. After suffering defeat at the famous Battle of Dan-no-ura, he tied an anchor to himself and leapt into the sea rather than be captured. His ghost became a popular subject in kabuki theatre, and Kiyotada captures both the tragedy and the supernatural drama of the story in this print.

This untitled series is the last great work by Kiyotada VII before his death in 1941.

Condition: Very good color and condition. Print is not backed. Elaborate embossing.