Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Sadanji I as a monk in the play commonly known as "Musume Dojoji," a tale about a shirabyoshi dancer who asks to perform at the dedication of a new temple bell at Dojoji Temple. She turns out to be the spirit of the beauty Kiyohime, who had turned into a serpent when the priest she fell in love rejected her. The priest had sought refuge under the temple bell, so the snake coiled around the bell and breathed fire on it until it melted, killing the priest inside. Here, he looks to the side with a wary frown, uneasy about the beauty's request. He wears a black monk's robe over a blue kimono, a light blue cloth tied about his neck. His hair is growing out after having his head shaved. A nice expressive figure set off by a rich blue background, with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.