Late Edo period. Utagawa Kunisada. Shiranui-hime (Princess Shiranui), Haradamaru Naotoshi,

This yakusha-e (actor print) diptych is by Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, a leading ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period. Shiranui-hime (Princess Shiranui) appears on the left, with Haradamaru Naotoshi on the right. At the center, the great tengu Tarobo is depicted in the form of a hanging scroll. Particularly striking is the commanding presence of Tarobo. His piercing gaze, meticulously rendered luxuriant hair and beard, and subtly shaded facial features convey the tengu's supernatural, intimidating power. In contrast, the richly layered patterns adorning Shiranui-hime's robes create the sumptuous visual splendor and dramatic tension characteristic of Edo-period theatrical prints.
A distinctive feature of this work is that Tarobo does not appear directly within the scene, but instead as a figure depicted on a hanging scroll. An independent ukiyo-e print depicting Tarobo is also extant, and its design is incorporated into this composition, creating the layered visual interest of a picture within a picture. The relationship between the designs of this diptych and the independent print, as well as the intention behind its inclusion as a picture within a picture, remains open to further research.
The work bears three signatures: "Kochoro Toyokuni ga" (pictured by Kochoro Toyokuni), "Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga" (pictured by Ichiyosai Toyokuni), and "Ōju Kunisada hitsu" (painted by Kunisada upon request). The presence of multiple signatures within a single composition is another intriguing question meriting investigation. The British Museum holds and catalogues a diptych of the same design, demonstrating the work's circulation overseas. The museum's description suggests that the composition may be an imagined depiction of a scene from a pantomime that was never actually performed, although this interpretation remains inconclusive.
This work brings together Edo theatrical culture, the artist's expressive techniques, and the inventive conceit of a picture within a picture. Close examination of its details and a deeper understanding of its background offer continuing opportunities for appreciation.
Condition: Wormholes, losses, and old backing or mounting.
Diptych. Approximately 51 cm in overall width when the two sheets are placed side by side.