{"product_id":"yusai-kuniaki-print","title":"Samuri Vendetta, Kabuki Theater Scene","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis dramatic Japanese woodblock print illustrates a scene from Igagoe Dōchū Sugoroku, one of the great revenge dramas of Japanese theater. Set against a darkened landscape, armed figures clash across the wooden veranda of a traditional residence, transforming the theatrical action of the stage into a richly detailed ukiyo-e composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe story has its origins in the famous Iga Ueno vendetta of 1634. The incident became the basis for numerous popular retellings before playwright Chikamatsu Hanji and his collaborators transformed it into Igagoe Dōchū Sugoroku in 1783. First performed in Osaka's bunraku puppet theater and adapted for kabuki later that year, the sprawling ten-act drama follows a pursuit for vengeance along the Tōkaidō and explores loyalty, family obligation, sacrifice, and the consequences of revenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe print is attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru, also known as Ichiyūsai Kuniteru, an artist of the prolific Utagawa school. Kuniteru produced a series of illustrations devoted to Igagoe Dōchū Sugoroku around 1848–1852, providing a useful dating range for this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike other theatrical woodblock prints of the period, works such as this allowed the excitement of popular drama to extend beyond the theater itself. Character cartouches identify figures within the scene, while the strong diagonals, expressive poses, deep night sky, and carefully rendered architecture heighten the sense of unfolding action.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA compelling example of late Edo-period printmaking, this work brings together two enormously popular forms of Japanese visual culture: kabuki drama and ukiyo-e woodblock printing, preserving a story of samurai vengeance that had captivated Japanese audiences for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.0\" x 14.75\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniteru II (Kunitsuna II)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks\/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45234619285619,"sku":"AP8285","price":156.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_8e5d6f16-24bf-4aec-92b2-1cff7cb3cf5a.jpg?v=1784922284","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/en-nl\/products\/yusai-kuniaki-print","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}