Comments - Intriguing scene from the kabuki play "Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba," a drama about a sword possessed by an evil spirit, which causes its user to kill. In the center, Fukuoka Mitsugi has been overcome by the bloodthirsty blade he holds in his hand, having just wounded the maid Manno of the Aburaya geisha house. A man attempts to restrain him, but he pushes him away by the face, staring to the side with a serious frown as another victim tumbles head over heels to the ground. At right, Manno crawls along the ground, gasping with pain as she clutches her bleeding shoulder. The inset at upper right shows the smiling waitress Aburaya Okon. Colorful lanterns decorated with tie-dyed panels and fringe flutter overhead against the dark night sky. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Oba Omine (inset), Otani Tokuji II as Aburaya Oshika, Kataoka Gado II as Fukuoka Mitsugi, Nakayama Ichizo I as Nakai Manno, and Iwai Kumesaburo III as Aburaya Okon (inset). A fascinating subject from this curious tale, nicely detailed with expressive figures, and fine shading and shimmering mica in the background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few wormholes and small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.