Nakamura Shikan IV as Tamiya Iemon, 1872 - Fantastic portrait of Nakamura Shikan IV as the villainous ronin Tamiya Iemon from the popular kabuki play commonly known as "Yotsuya Kaidan," one of the most famous Japanese ghost stories of all times. The plots involves betrayal, lust, and murder, with Iemon's poisoned wife, Oiwa, returning as a vengeful ghost to haunt him, eventually driving him mad. He begins to see her disfigured face everywhere. Here he looks over his shoulder in alarm as two ears of ripe corn take on her eerie appearance, the corn silk waving like hair above distorted faces. He draws his sword, ready to strike as misty clouds drift before the moon overhead. A woven hat hangs from a cord tied around his neck, and he wears a brown plaid kimono tied with a blue obi. A great atmospheric scene, beautifully detailed. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.