Comments - Terrific kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Ebizo V as the evil Sansho Dayu in the play "Mukashi Banashi Sansho Dayu." After the overthrow of Governor Iwaka, the elderly samurai Sansho Dayu sold the governor's children into slavery. Iwaka's loyal retainer Tatebe tried to rescue the children, but was captured and sentenced to death. On the day of the execution, Sansho's beautiful daughter, Osan, turned into a fowl as the sun rose and chewed through the ropes binding the prisoner, setting him free. Here, Sansho grimaces angrily as he draws his sword. He wears a rust and yellow geometric print kimono trimmed with a dragon patterned fabric, and a violet cloth hat. His white beard and hair are finely embossed, as are his eyebrows. The panels behind him feature a scene of birds flying above splashing waves. A great, bold image.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Stitching holes at left edge from previous binding, one small hole, repaired. Faint toning, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.