Comments - Incredible kabuki scene of the warrior Taira Masakado riding a black horse, leading a troop of ghostly samurai. The ghosts are barely visible above his head, outlined in faint white against the dark night sky in a rare example of white key-block printing. The two samurai at left react with surprise at the appearance of the spirits, the archer glaring at the sight, holding his bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. Masakado faces the men steadfastly, a large iron club in his hand, wearing a white robe patterned with red and yellow dragons over his armor. He is played by the actor Ichikawa Sadanji. Beautifully detailed with fine line work and burnishing in the black horse and black court cap. A fantastic supernatural scene and a great collectible image.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. Horizontal center fold in each panel. A few small holes, slight thinning at edges, repaired, blends well. Creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.