Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene of the ghost of the warrior Iga Shikibunojo Mitsukage appearing to a couple in the countryside. The specter rises from the foliage at right, his armor pierced with broken arrows, his face a ghastly shade of blue. He grimaces with a mournful expression, twisting his hands in a magical gesture, a wisp of smoke emanating from his finger to form a red flame in the dark night sky. At left, the samurai Iga no Kotaro Tomoyuki stares back at him, clutching a scroll in his outstretched hand. He wears a black fur vest trimmed with fringe over his armor, two swords at his side. At right, the beauty Otoki grabs hold of one of the scabbards, smiling slyly as she turns her head away, a straw mat draped over her shoulders as a coat. The dark night sky behind them is softly shaded and dusted with mica. From left, the actors are Nakamura Fukusuke I as Iga no Kotaro Tomoyuki, Bando Shuka I as Shundo Shinzaemon's wife Otoki, and Nakamura Utaemon IV as the ghost of Iga Shikibunojo Mitsukage. An intriguing supernatural subject with wonderfully expressive faces and beautiful detail in the clothing.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 19 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels, not attached at the seams, backed with paper. A few small wormholes at outer edges, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, a few small spots, slight creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.