Poem by Chunagon Kanesuke: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Higuchi no Jiro - Bold portrait of Nakamura Utaemon IV as the warrior Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshinaka. After Yoshinaka's death by his Minamoto cousins, Kanemitsu rescued his master's son and escaped, disguised as the boatman Matsuemon. Here, he scowls angrily as he spies enemy Genji troops approaching, shielding his eyes with his hand. He is bleeding from a cut to the forehead, and his hair sticks out wildly around his head. He wears a tie-dyed boatman's shirt over a black undergarment, his brown kimono pushed down to the waist. A great image with fine line work in the hair, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. Slight separation at ends of fold, a couple tiny tears at top edge, repaired. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.