Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada) — Seisho Shichi-Iroha: Raigō and Shimizu no Kanja Yoshitaka — Edo woodblock print, c. 1850s Description (English) A dramatic kabuki print by Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada) from the series Seisho Shichi-Iroha (“Seven Iroha Transformations”), produced around the 1850s. The scene features Raigō, famed for summoning supernatural forces, together with Shimizu no Kanja Yoshitaka, a youthful warrior figure who appears in classical tales and kabuki adaptations. The highlight of this design is the large mouse spirit materializing behind Raigō—an iconic reference to the legend where Raigō conjures mice through esoteric Buddhist magic. Kunisada conveys the tension through Raigō’s focused expression, the spell-casting gesture, and the richly patterned costume adorned with dragons and ornate textile motifs. The faint, ghostlike rendering of the mouse against the dark background enhances the supernatural atmosphere, making this print a striking example of Kunisada’s portrayal of kabuki’s magical themes. Strong impression with vivid colors and fine detail. A highly desirable piece for collectors of dramatic Edo-period actor prints. Artist Biography (English) Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada, 1786–1865) Leader of the Utagawa school and one of the most prolific ukiyo-e masters of the 19th century. His kabuki portraits are celebrated for expressive faces, dynamic staging, and luxurious costume designs, shaping the visual language of Edo-period theatre. His works remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide. After payment is confirmed, the item will be delivered to you within 10 to 14 days. Please note that any VAT or import duties charged by your country’s customs will be the responsibility of the buyer. Thank you for bidding with this understanding. Your winning item will be carefully packed and shipped via EMS to ensure safe delivery.