Kesa Gozen and Endo Musho Morito, 1830

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Kesa Gozen and Endo Musho Morito, 1830 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kesa Gozen and Endo Musho Morito, 1830

Comments - Handsome design from the tale of the beautiful Kesa Gozen, who was the wife of a palace guard. The samurai Endo Musho Morito became obsessed with her, even though she rejected his advances. Afraid that Morito might harm her husband, she convinced him to murder her husband one night in their bedroom. She then cut off her hair and took her husband's place in the dark room, and Morito murdered her by mistake. After discovered what he had done, the horrified Morito became the priest Mongaku, and did penance under a waterfall. Here, the beauty sits beneath a tree covered with autumn foliage. She looks up with a strange grin, watching the warrior suspiciously out of the corners of her eyes. She wears a green kimono patterned with leaves and blossoms over pink print under robe, a cloth wrapped protectively around her elegant hairstyle. Morito stares wide-eyed at her, scowling unhappily as he adjusts a white towel over his shoulder. He wears a matching gray coat and kimono with bands of green and white plaid and circular floral motifs. The actors are Segawa Kikunojo V as Kesa Gozen and Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Endo Musho Morito. An attractive design with expressive figures, nicely colored.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 19 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few thinning spots at edges, a few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing near edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details.

Kesa Gozen and Endo Musho Morito, 1830 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Kesa Gozen and Endo Musho Morito, 1830 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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