Comments - Intriguing kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Sadanji as the legendary samurai Kusunoki Masashige, a brilliant strategist and general who fought to restore the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo to the throne. At the Battle of Minatogawa, Kusunoki led his men into the field at the emperor's order, knowing that his side faced superior forces and almost certain death. Badly defeated, Kusunoki and his remaining men committed suicide rather than face capture. Just before the battle, he sits beneath a tree atop a wooden shield, a scroll in one hand containing his death poem. He stares ahead with a grim expression of determination, wearing a fine suit of armor and a tall black court cap, a string of prayer beads looped around the hilt of his sword. An unusual design rendered in a very painterly manner, looking almost as if it were a watercolor painting.
Artist - Ippei (circa mid-20th century)
Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9 1/4" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two small tears at left edge, repaired. Faint toning, a few creases near edges, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
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