Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene from the story of the tsuchigumo or ground spider, one of the most famous Japanese folktales. The great warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu, known as Raiko, fell ill with a fever and dreamed of an earth spider preparing to cast a web over him. He struck at it with his sword and immediately recovered from his fever, chasing the ground spider to its lair and killing it with the aid of his retainers. Played by Onoe Kikugoro, the spirit of the ground spider takes center stage, raising a red and white striped pole above his face as one of Raiko's men thrusts a sword at him. His distinctive stage makeup and flowing black hair give him an imposing, mysterious appearance. Raiko watches solemnly from the right, the agitated geisha Kohan kneeling below him. A terrific image detailed with fine line work and fine bokashi shading, plus a dusting of mica across the top of the night sky.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple pinpoint holes, not noticeable. Light offsetting, a few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.