Comments - Fantastic kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the barrier guard Sekibei in the play commonly known as "Seki no To." While drunk, Sekibei attempts to chop down a cherry tree after mysterious things happen, believing it must be inhabited by a supernatural being. Here, he gestures towards the tree with a puzzled frown, clutching the sleeve of his green kimono to his chest. He wears a rust colored vest and matching cloth cap, his robes emblazoned with the three concentric rice measure crest of the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. A few cherry blossoms frame the sky, with a large signpost at right. A great design with the large expressive figure dominating the triptych. Detailed with touches of embossing to outline the nose and chin, and burnishing on the black kimono trim. A striking composition.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8' x 28 1/4" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light spotting and toning throughout. Minor creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.