Comments - Terrific portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the famous otokodate or street knight Banzui Chobei in a kabuki scene commonly known as "Suzu-ga-mori." While his palanquin is stopped at Suzu-ga-mori, the execution grounds outside Edo, Chobei witnesses a fight between the murderer Shirai Gompachi and a gang hoping to capture him for a reward. Watching by lantern light as he sits in the enclosed palanquin with his arms folded across his chest, Chobei is impressed with Gompachi's skill and swordsmanship as he defeats his attackers, sending them running. Although he finds the warrant for Gompachi's arrest on the ground, Chobei burns it, telling the young man that he will assist him if needed, promising to meet him later in Edo. A great dramatic image with the scowling Chobei leaning back in his conveyance, and the bold black outlines of the palanquin creating an almost abstract grid filling the space. A very interesting design.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. Tiny loss at bottom left corner of right panel, a couple small tears at bottom edge of right panel, repaired, blends well. Toning, slight soiling and creasing, faint staining in left panel. Please see photos for details.