Comments - Fantastic kabuki triptych of the young samurai Tadanobu leaping down from a blossoming cherry tree in a scene from the play "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura." He is actually a kitsune, a magical fox, disguised as Yoshitsune's retainer Tadanobu, and his otherworldliness is indicated by the red flames flickering in the sky around him. He jumps to escape the nobleman Yoshitsune and the beauty Shizuka, who have discovered him to be an imposter. Dressed in elegant robes, Yoshitsune watches with a worried frown as he sits on the verandah, throwing his hand out in alarm. Lady Shizuka reacts with surprise at his sudden agility. Nakamura Shikan appears as the fox, hanging weightless in the air beneath the tree, a drum in his hand and a furry white tail beneath his robe. An handsome scene with attractive color and expressive figures, from one of the most popular kabuki plays of all time.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14" x 28 3/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A few small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.