Rokugo Ferry, between Shinagawa and Kawasaki: Onoe Kikugoro III as Shirai Gonpachi, 1852 - Intense large figure portrait of the actor Onoe Kikugoro III as the robber and murderer Shirai Gonpachi committing suicide. Trapped by the police, he decided to kill himself rather than be captured. He grasps his sword with a silk cloth, thrusting it deep into his belly, blood everywhere. His eyes are open wide and his face tinted blue, a sign of his impending death. The landscape behind him shows the Rokugo Ferry crossing on the Sumida River, where Gonpachi met his end. A dramatic, expressive image, with fantastic detail in the wild hair. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A famous kabuki subject.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical fold at right edge, now flattened. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.