Comments - Dramatic scene from the kabuki play "Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba" of Mitsugi threatening his sweetheart, the courtesan Okon of the Aburaya with a sword. The sword is actually possessed by a bloodthirsty spirit that causes anyone holding it to commit murder. Unaware of the evil curse on the blade, Mitsugi goes on a rampage, killing several people. He raises the blade high above his head as he glares at the beauty, who throws her hand out in a stopping motion, still smiling at him gently since she doesn't realize the spell he is under. At right, Kisuke throws his hand out in alarm. The room is staged for a performance of the "Ise Ondo," a famous fold song and dance, with a walkway along the edge and a small arched bridge crossing the floor. From left, the actors are Sawamura Tanosuke III as Aburaya Okon, Bando Hikosaburu V as Fukuoka Mitsugi, and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Kisuke. Beautiful architectural detail in the setting with fine bokashi shading in the floor and the softly glowing shoji windows. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14" x 29 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple tiny wormholes at edges, repaired. Very slight soiling, faint stain. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.