Comments - Great kabuki scene featuring characters from different plays. At left, the young Oniwakamaru (the future warrior Benkei), lifts an enormous carp on his back. While studying at a temple, Oniwakamaru learned that a giant carp had eaten his mother when she fell into a pool at the foot of Bishamon Waterfall. He immediately left his studies and hunted down and killed the monster to avenge her death. Here, he stares up at the writhing fish as he clenches his knife between his teeth, waiting for the moment to strike. Above him, a magician stands in the rushing water, casting a magic spell with a gesture from his hands. At right, a beauty smiles serenely as she does penance under an icy rushing waterfall. She twists a blue cloth in her hands as she looks down, the water splashing off her shoulders. At right, a warrior raises he sword with a determined expression, body tensed and ready to spring into action. He wears a beautiful red outer robe patterned with swirling clouds and stylized phoenixes over a gray print kimono, his hair pulled back into a low ponytail with longer longs hanging over his shoulders. A terrific image, wonderfully colored and detailed.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 19 1/4" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seams with areas of light toning throughout. Minor stains in right-hand panel with a couple small pinpoint holes at corners, repaired from reverse. Soft rubbing and soiling throughout with a few areas of ink offsetting in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.