Comments - Incredible kabuki scene of Ichikawa Danjuro as the Priest Mongaku doing penance under the rushing Nachi waterfall. After mistakenly beheading his beloved, the beauty Kesa gozen, while attempting to kill her husband, the warrior Endo Morito renounced his evil ways and became a Buddhist monk. He prayed for twenty-one days under the icy waterfall, only surviving with divine assistance. Water cascades over him, splashing and streaming over his shoulders in torrents. He grips a bell in one hand as he stares ahead with grim determination, biting his lower lip, his wet hair flowing around his face. He wears a gray monk's robe over a pale yellow kimono, his torso bound with rope. Rugged rocks frame the waterfall on either side, with beautifully shaded tones of blue adding depth to the falls. A fantastic, bold kabuki portrait with real graphic appeal.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 27 1/2"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous mounting. Small losses at bottom left corners, a few wormholes and small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.