Thief and Sworn Enemy Kakemono, 1838 - 1840

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Thief and Sworn Enemy Kakemono, 1838 - 1840 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Thief and Sworn Enemy Kakemono, 1838 - 1840

Comments - Great kabuki scene showing the famous king of thieves, Ishikawa Goemon, standing on the verandah of the lower gate at Nazenji Temple, one foot perched atop the railing as he clutches a white cloth in his hand. It bears a last message to Goemon from his real father, who was forced to commit suicide and whom Goemon never knew. At this moment he realized that he must avenge his father's death. Unbeknownst to him, the religious pilgrim kneeling on the stones below is none other than Mashiba Hisayoshi, who was responsible for the death of both Goemon's father and adoptive father. Hisayoshi looks up with a scowl, wearing a white pilgrim's vest and holding a hat and a water dipper, a string of prayer slips around his neck. The actors are Ichikawa Ebizo as Ishikawa Goemon and Onoe Kikugoro as Hisayoshi. A terrific image from this popular tale, in the unusual kakemono or vertical diptych format.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4 x 17 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seams and backed with thin paper. Light paper remnants along bottom edge. A couple small holes at corners repaired from reverse. Slight creasing and spotting in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Thief and Sworn Enemy Kakemono, 1838 - 1840 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Thief and Sworn Enemy Kakemono, 1838 - 1840 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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