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Antique Japanese Kabuki Print: Enigmatic Woman with Scroll and Spider, ca.1882
About the Item
Title: Antique Japanese Kabuki Print: Enigmatic Woman with Scroll and Spider, 19th Century
Description: This stunning 19th-century Japanese print depicts a striking scene from kabuki theater or folklore, rendered with vivid color and dramatic elegance. Published by Sampson Low & Co. and lithographed in Paris by Imp. Lemercier & Cie under the direction of G. A. Audsley, this piece captures a moment of intense narrative and refined artistry.
The print features a woman dressed in an elaborate kimono adorned with intricate floral patterns, her flowing hair and serious expression hinting at a story of mystery and transformation. She holds an impossibly long scroll covered with fine calligraphy, unspooling to the ground where a small spider lurks—an ominous presence that likely alludes to the famous kabuki tale of Jorogumo, the spider spirit that takes the form of a beautiful woman to ensnare her victims.
The color palette of deep blacks, rich reds, and soft greens enhances the print’s sense of drama, while the finely rendered spiderweb background reinforces the supernatural atmosphere. The precision of the linework and the texture of the print exemplify the best of late 19th-century Japanese color printing, merging traditional Japanese themes with European lithographic techniques.
For collectors of kabuki art, folklore-inspired prints, or those drawn to the atmospheric elegance of Japanese theater, this piece offers a visually compelling glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural narrative.
Here’s an expanded version with additional context about the Jorogumo legend and kabuki theater:
The figure in this print almost certainly represents Jorogumo, the “Binding Bride” or “Spider Woman” of Japanese folklore, a supernatural creature known for her ability to transform into a beautiful woman and lure unsuspecting victims to their doom. In many traditional tales, Jorogumo uses her charms to entangle travelers, weaving a web of illusion and desire. The presence of the spider at the woman’s feet and the long, elaborate scroll—perhaps a symbol of tangled fates or deceit—beautifully reinforces this narrative theme.
In kabuki theater, Jorogumo’s story is retold with dynamic stage performances, elaborate costumes, and dramatic poses that convey the character’s dual nature: both beguiling and deadly. This print captures that theatrical drama through the woman’s intense gaze, the flowing silk of her kimono, and the ominous web pattern that surrounds her.
Kabuki prints like this were popular during the Edo and Meiji periods, offering fans a way to relive the excitement of live performances and bringing these larger-than-life characters into the home. They also served as cultural bridges, introducing European audiences to the visual language and storytelling power of Japan’s performing arts.
The interplay of myth, theater, and visual art in this print makes it a particularly rich piece for collectors—one that not only tells a tale of supernatural intrigue but also captures the enduring fascination with kabuki and Japanese folklore.
Condition Report:
The print is in excellent condition with vibrant colors and crisp detail. Minor foxing on the margins consistent with age, but the central image remains flawless and deeply captivating.
Framing Tips:
A classic dark wooden or black lacquer frame will bring out the deep tones of the print, while a white or cream mat will offer a balanced contrast, focusing attention on the intense scene and the exquisite textile patterns.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1882
- Condition:The print is in excellent condition with vibrant colors and crisp detail. Minor foxing on the margins consistent with age, but the central image remains flawless and deeply captivating.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14034-1-211stDibs: LU3054345213452
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