Comments - Incredible depiction of two warriors fighting atop Horyukaku, a tower of Koga Castle. This scene illustrates a popular episode from the Edo era novel "Tale of the Eight Dog Warriors of Satomi." Unaware that they are brothers, the two enemies Inukai Gempachi and Inuzuka Shino are battling on the great tiled roof of the building, fighting with sword and metal truncheon. At left, Gempachi uses his truncheon to block a blow, wearing a magnificent black kimono patterned with a dragon over his armor. His wild hair sticks up above his head, tied back with a red sash. At right, Shino lunges forward with his weapon, grimacing with determination, his disheveled hair framing his face. His other hand rests on the head of a strange red feathered creature. A full moon glows in the night sky above as a flock of geese flies past in silhouette. From left the actors are Nakamura Shikan VII as Inukai Gempachi and Onoe Kikugoro V as Inuzuka Shino. A lively design with wonderfully expressive, large figures in a dynamic composition, nicely detailed with burnishing in the black kimono.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold near left edge of center panel. A few small holes, slight thinning along fold, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.