Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene of the beauty Hitomaru discovering her father, the great Heike warrior Taira no Kagekiyo, in exile in Hyuga along the coast. She had not seen him since childhood, but went in search of him, having heard that he lived as a blind beggar after having put his own eyes out rather than see the defeat of his clan. Here, the agitated and distraught man grips a wooden beam as Hitomaru kneels before him, overjoyed at their meeting. At first he denies their relationship out of shame for his present state of poverty, but eventually he recognizes her. The sleeves of his black outer robe are pushed down to reveal a green kimono patterned with dragons, tucked into hakama pants with a design of the Taira butterfly crest. His hair is long and his beard trails over his chest. Behind the beauty, her traveling companion throws his hand out in surprise, frowning as he watches the once great samurai. From left, the actors are Bando Kamezo, Bando Mitsugoro, and Nakamura Shikan. A memorable image from this classic tale, with expressive figures and a handsomely detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 19 1/4" x 14 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two separate panels. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.