Comments - Terrific scene from the kabuki play "Shiranui Monogatari" of two men in front of an enormous spider web, watching as an image of a young man appears in a cloud of smoke coming from a torn kimono sleeve at lower right. The fellow in the center draws back his sword, a worried frown on his face. He is dressed for hunting with black fur chaps and a sleeve protector over his kimono. The samurai at right grimaces as he grips his sword with both hands, wearing a black outer robe patterned with a dragon over a red print kimono and a suit of armor trimmed with swinging fringe. At left, Shiranui Daijin smiles back at them over his shoulder, a long letter in his hand. Shiranui is actually Princess Wakana in disguise, who practiced spider magic. The lines of the web radiate across the dark night sky, adding an eerie supernatural setting. From left, the actors are Bando Shuka I as Shiranui Daijin (Wakana-hime), Bando Takesaburo I as Yukioka Fuyujiro, and Arashi Rikaku II as Washizu Rokuro. A great design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss at edge, wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges, paper remnant at left edge of left panel. Please see photos for details. Good overall.