Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene showing the priest Mongaku doing penance under an icy waterfall as a young samurai and a beauty struggle over a scroll before him. Clutching a rugged rock with one arm, and holding a bell in his hand, Mongaku stares down with an angry grimace as the water splashes over his shoulders. At left, the famous archer Minamoto no Tametomo grips the end of a long white banner with the paulownia crest of the Minamoto Clan at the top. At right, Princess Tatsu tugs on the other end of the cloth as she waves a sword menacingly. She wears a white kimono shaded in pink, a ring on her head supporting three glowing candles and a mirror hung from a string around her neck. She turns her head away with a slightly evil grin, her long hair trailing over her shoulders. From left, the actors are Nakamura Fukusuke as Minamoto no Tametomo, Nakamura Shikan as Mongaku, and Bando Mitsugoro as Tatsuhime. Nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair and faint embossing in the white kimono. A great image with large colorful figures and a striking natural setting.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 27 5/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. Horizontal center fold in each panel. Tear at lower left edge of right panel, a few small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling and creasing, slight rippling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.