Comments - Terrific kabuki scene of two magicians facing each other in a scene from the tale of the thief and folk hero, Jiraiya. At left, Jiraiya, a practitioner of toad magic, stares solemnly over his shoulder as he makes a magical gesture with one hand, calling up an enormous toad with a glowing yellow eye behind him. In the center, Princess Tsunate draws her sword as she stares calmly at their mutual enemy, the wicked Orochimaru, the son of the Giant Snake. A large snail or slug appears behind her, the animal associated with her special form of magic. At right, the warrior Orochimaru glares back at them, a fierce horned demon mask in his hand and an enormous serpent looming behind him, its red tongue flickering out. He lifts a robe above his head, patterned with diamond in imitation of a snake's scales, his bushy hair sticking out atop his head. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX, Suketakaya Takasuke IV, and Ichikawa Sadanji I. A great supernatural design with excellent detail, including embossing in the white kimono collar and a subtle burnished cloud pattern in the black trim of the Jiraiya's robe at left.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, attached at the seams, backed with paper. Slight separation on fold line between panels. Light offsetting. Please see photos for details.