Richard Kruml

Richard Kruml

Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)

Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Shirataki no Sakichi from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate.…

Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)

Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Asahina Tobei from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. Shows…

Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size. Kobayakawa Takakage debating with the tengu on mount Hiko from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts.”The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889-1892 (this being 1892).    Very fine first edition. Fine colour…

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. Shows Hatsuhana’s long penance under the Tonozawa waterfall to aid her crippled husband “Hazari” Katsugoro who is intent on revenging his brother’s murder. Hatsuhana dies, Katsugoro is cured and kills his arch enemy…

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. Shows Matsuura Sayohime at the top of Kagami Mountain at Matsuura sadly watching her departing husband, Otomo no Sadehiko, on his way to Korea. It’s told she prayed with such fervour that she…

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. Musashi-bo Benkei of herculean strength subdued by the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. The story relates how Benkei (1155-1189) wandered around Kyoto with the intention of relieving 1000 samurai of…