Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene showing the wicked magician Nikki Danjo, who transformed himself into a giant rat in order to steal a scroll. The magician appears in a cloud of smoke above the rat, wearing a pale gray kimono and holding the scroll in his mouth. Note the human limbs of the actor in costume as the rat. The samurai Otokonosuke, who is faithfully guarding his master's young son, raises his fan over his head to strike the monstrous creature. The boy's alarmed nursemaid Masaoka watches from right, shining a lantern over the scene. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Nikki Danjo, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Otokonosuke, and Onoe Baiko IV as Masaoka. A great image from this popular play with beautiful shading in the dark night background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 29 5/8" x 13 7/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some light rubbing and soiling in subject. Some wrinkling and wear at edges. A few light creases and some stains at edges. A number of small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.