Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play "Ume Yanagi Sakigake Zoshi" of people fighting on a dark night in the countryside. In the center, the kneeling Myoten grins as she points her sword at her fellow wandering ascetic at left, Tenzan. He draws a weapon concealed within his shakujou, a staff topped with a ringed finial used by monks and pilgrims. At right, two samurai battle on a rocky outcropping beneath a tree. The man at right angrily raises an iron truncheon over his head, ready to strike his companion. His fellow warrior stumbles backwards on the rocky surface, clutching his head and grimacing in pain as he waves his sword. Each wears an interesting fringed tunic over a suit of armor, and both are barefoot. Just below them, a kettle hangs from a bamboo tripod over red flames. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Tenzan, Nakamura Tomijuro II as Myoten, Ichikawa Komazo VII as Kanja Tamehira, and Nakamura Fukusuke I as Shin no Kurando Tokisada. An intriguing subject with a dark, atmospheric setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few wormholes, small loss at edge, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.