Comments - Terrific group portrait of five otokodate or street knights, each wearing a fantastic kimono with a scene of a deity or magical animals. Their names reflect the images on their robes. In the left panel, Bando Hikosaburo appears as Yorimasa genta wearing a kimono with a snarling monkey and snake amidst lightning and Kawarazaki Sanjo as Raijin gorozo wears a robe with the drums of the thunder god Raijin. In the center panel, Nakamura Shikan plays Nio Rikimatsu, his kimono featuring a fierce nio or guardian figure. At right, Onoe Kikugoro is Tennin Kichiza, with a beautiful tennin or celestial maiden, and Otani Hiroji portrays Emma Doroku, his kimono patterned with a scene from hell and Emma-o, the god of the underworld. An incredible design, beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black collars and embossing in the white towels, all set off by a simulated lacquer frame in green.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.