Comments - Terrific scene from a kabuki play based on the assassination of the Shogun Sanetomo at Tsurugaoka Shrine by his nephew, Kugyo (Minamoto no Yoshinari). According to accounts, Sanetomo had been at the shrine for a ceremony in February 1219 and was just about to descend the stairs when Kugyo attacked him with his sword, decapitating him and pronouncing himself shogun. Here, the young monk grips a sword above his head with both hands as he attacks the shogun, who stumbles backwards on the steps, his hat flying off. At right, Hojo Tokimasa twists to the side as he begins to draw his own weapon. A dramatic image with large, expressive figures and a great setting under the falling snow. Includes a burnished pattern in Sanetomo's black robe and the black court caps, and embossing in Tokimasa's white beard. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro V, Nakamura Fukusuke IV as Minamoto no Sanetomo, and Ichikawa Danjuro IX. A great kabuki design.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss at edge, a couple small holes and thinning spots, repaired. Slight toning, faint ink offsetting, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.