Comments - Terrific scene from the story commonly known as "Vengeance at Iga Pass" or the "Igagoe Revenge," a true tale that resulted in many popular kabuki plays. The hero, Wada Shizuma, enlists the help of the swordsman Karaki Masaemon to avenge his father's death, waiting to attack the murderer Sawai Matagoro as he travels through Iga Pass. At far left wearing a yellow kimono tucked into red pants, Matagoro thrusts his sword at the fallen Wada, who blocks the blow with his own blade, holding it with both hands. In the center, Masaemon deftly leaps on one foot as he swings a sword in each hand, all while standing atop a fallen enemy. He slices against the neck of his attacker at left, while facing a row of spears at right. At right, a horseman grimaces as he grips his pole arm with both hand, while behind him, an archer on a black horse prepares to fire into the melee. A dramatic image with a striking natural setting, with a red sun setting along the horizon and rows of trees receding into the distance. A great samurai subject.

Artist - Sadahide (1807 - 1873)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.