Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the sumo wrestler Akitsushima Kuniemon in the play "Sekitori Nidai no shobu zuke." He looks up with a frown as a pigeon flies overhead, a folding fan in his hand and a robe draped over the end of his sword. He wears a striking black kimono patterned with painted shells featuring scenes from the "Tale of Genji" used for a matching game. The fellow behind him, played by Onoe Kikugoro III, has a handful of straw sandals hanging over his shoulder, his green print kimono tucked up at the waist. Behind him a few chickens peck at the ground. An interesting design, nicely detailed.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 7/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Faint toning and staining throughout. Light rubbing and creasing in subject and along edges. Slight remnants from previous backing along right and left-hand edges. Minor fraying with a couple tears along edges, repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.