




Japanese Woodblock Triptych by Utagawa Kunisada
As seen in Hannibal’s Office
Kunisada’s three woodblock panels were painted in 1832 during the Edo Period. They depict three Kabuki actors portraying characters from the drama “Sumidagawa Hana no Goshozome” (The Sumida River Adorned with Cherry Blossoms.) You can read the premise of the play here.:kabuki21.com/onna_seigen.php
These particular prints contain a very subtle link to Hannibal Lecter. As discovered by lecter-starling, the artist Kunisada devoted 14 years of his life (between 1838 - 42) to illustrating the play ‘Genji Monogatori' (Tales of Genji). The play was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial Court. In Thomas Harris’ prequel Lecter novel ‘Hannibal Rising’ Hannibal lives with his Japanese Aunt for a period of time. She is named Lady Murasaki after the playwright. [Following text contains mild Hannibal Rising spoilers]: Hannibal is even inspired to commit his first murder when Lady Murasaki is insulted by a rude butcher. [Spoilers end]
The print to the right of Kunisada’s work is by an unknown artist and depicts the death of Danjuro Ichikawa VIII(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichikawa_Danj%C5%ABr%C5%8D_VIII), a famous Kabuki actor who committed suicide in 1854.