Heike Warrior and Beauty, 1856 - Terrific kabuki scene featuring Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the role of the great Taira warrior Munekiyo and Onoe Baiko IV as Lady Tokiwa, the widow of Minamoto Yoshitomo. Yoshitomo was killed by Taira Kiyomori, and Lady Tokiwa fled with her three sons, but was forced to return when Kiyomori held her mother hostage. Here Munekiyo glares angrily at Lady Tokiwa as she kneels in the snow after returning, clutching a baby to her chest and sheltering her middle child under her kimono. Her third son raises his clasped hands to the samurai, pleading for mercy for his family. The pine tree overhead is covered with snow and flakes fall gently against the gray winter sky. The snowy landscape inset at upper right is by Gengyo Miyagi. A great design from this famous tale, with beautiful detail and color.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Most prints have a few small holes or thinning spots, a few have losses at corners, repaired, blends well. Soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details.