Comments - Terrific scene from the tale of Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) battling the Earth Spider (tsuchgumo). Here, one of his legendary "Shitenno" or "Four Guardian Kings," Urabe no Suetake, ties up a man with a thick cord as the giant spider looms over him, clinging to its web. Suetake looks up with an eager expression, his eyes gleaming as he trussed his victim on the floor. His blue and white outer robe patterned with leaves and water has been pushed down to the waist to reveal a green brocade kimono, and a small black court cap is perched precariously at the very back of his head. A lantern at upper left illuminates the hairy monster with bulging eyes. A great image from this famous legend, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15" x 10" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.