Comments - Handsome kabuki scene base on the ghost story "The Peony Lantern," in which a dead beauty and her maid haunt the beauty's sweetheart, visiting him each night carrying a lantern in the shape of a peony. Here, the samurai at right argues with a faithful servant, thrusting a bow at him with a tight-lipped frown. The servant grimaces as he leans back, pushing up the sleeve of his kimono. At left, the beauty Okuni watches the men soberly, wearing a gray kimono patterned with autumn blossoms and spider webs, her black floral obi loosely wrapped around her waist. She carries an uchiwa or flat fan with a large moon above stylized waves. The garden behind them features a stone lantern, with foliage, a garden fence, and a pine tree overhead rendered in shadowy gray calligraphic strokes. From left, the actors are Bando Shucho II, Onoe Kikugoro, and Ichikawa Yaozo VII. Nice expressive figures in an attractive setting.

Artist - Kuninao II (active circa 1883 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Tape residue on reverse at corners and center edges from previous mounting. Small tear, thinning and small loss at corner, repaired. Very slight soiling, small rubbed spot. Please see photos for details.