The "Karigane Five" as women, by Kunisada. Fūryū Itsutsu Karigane [The Refined Karigane Five] Gototei [Utagawa], Kunisada [illustrated by]. (5 prints)

The "Karigane Five" as women, by Kunisada. Fūryū Itsutsu Karigane [The Refined Karigane Five] Gototei [Utagawa], Kunisada [illustrated by]. [Tōkyō]: Izumi Ichi [Izumiya Ichibē], [ca. Bunsei 11 - Tenpō 2 (1828-1831)]. A complete pentatych by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865) featuring five beautiful women as the Itsutsu Karigane - the "five karigane blood-brothers" or the "Karigane Five". The symbols on the characters' summer garments relate to this group of five outlaws who were executed in 1702 and later enshrined in literature as chivalrous heroes. While this adaptation features women as the Karigane Five instead of men, the women pictured are of course male onnagata actors, namely Iwai Tojaku, Segawa Rokō, Iwai Baika, Nakamura Karoku, and Iwai Shijaku. The stunning sea green to deep blue bokashi gradation applied to the characters' kimono is a highlight of the set. The use of different colours for the title panels is also a nice touch. Five ōban nishiki-e, complete. Wear, stains, marks, and creases to prints. Losses and pinholes to extremities, with repairs to versos. Prints mounted on washi paper. Each print measures approximately 37.5 x 25 cm. [Dealer description: Hozuki Books]