Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene of the great Heike warrior Kagekiyo emerging from the cave where he was imprisoned by the Genji. Grimacing angrily, he draws a sword from a sheath wrapped in a brocade cloth as a wisp of smoke rises from his chest with birds fluttering about. The beauty Kinugasa, the sister of his captor Shigetada, kneels before him wearing an ornate headdress and carrying a Shinto wand called a gohei over her shoulder. At left, his faithful mistress Akoya watches with a smile, dressed in a similar manner to Kinugasa. At right, the fearful Shigetada stares over his shoulder with a worried frown, holding a mirror on an offering tray. The actors are Onoe Kikujiro as Kiyoshitsuma Akoya, Onoe Shoraku as Tsunetane, Bando Hikosaburo as Hojo Shiro Tokimasa, Iwai Kumesaburo as Shigetada's sister Kinugasa, Ichikawa Ebizo as Akushichibyoe Kagekiyo, Ichikawa Kuzo as Chichibu no Shoji Shigetada, Ichikawa Saruzo as Ema Koshiro Gysi, and Ichikawa [?] as Wada no Taro Yoshimori. A great image from this popular tale, with fantastic detail in the expressive figures and rocky setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 28 1/2" x 14" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some light rubbing and soiling at edges. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.