Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Imoseyama." From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Omiwa, the daughter of a sake shop owner, Ichikawa Sadanji I as Fukashichi, who is actually the samurai Kanawa Goro, and Ichikawa Danjuro IX in a second role as the villainous Iruka. Fukashichi wears an impressive dragon kimono over his armor. He holds a short sword wrapped in purple cloth in one hand, his other arm thrown up over his head in a dramatic gesture. At right, Iruka watches him with a concerned expression , his wild hair flowing back from his face. His kimono features a fierce looking rooster with long tail feathers. Omiwa at left seems alarmed by the warrior's actions, a look of dismay on her face. A beautiful deep blue sky is bordered with pink and white cherry blossoms behind the group. Nice large expressive figures in this handsome triptych, with fine line work in the hair, burnishing in the black kimono, and embossing in the white under robe. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 28" x 14" + margin as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels attached at the seams. Backed with old paper. Some light offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.