Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene from the play commonly known as "Ehon Gappo-ga-Tsuji." While going through the Kuragari Pass, a few travelers stop at the tea house run by the evil Tateba no Taheiji, who kneels at left, grimacing angrily with his arms firmly folded across his chest, his sword uncased at his side. His visitor, Magoshichi, scowls back at him, gripping his weapon with both hands. Taheiji works for the daimyo Daigakunosuke, who murdered his loyal retainer Takahashi Sezaemon. When Taheiji learns that Magoshichi is related to the Takahashi family, he becomes enraged and kills him. Here, they eye each other uneasily before the struggle. A bonfire of pine branches roars between the men, red flames and orange smoke filling the sky. An intriguing subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 19 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Stitching holes on one side of each panel from previous binding, thinning at corners, repaired. Soiling, slight rubbing near edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.