Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the tale of Princess Wakana, who practiced spider magic. Here, she is caught between two samurai fighting over a banner draped over her shoulders. She turns her head to the side, raising her sleeve above her head. She wears a gray kimono patterned with butterflies caught in a spider web. At left, Washizu Shichiro grimaces angrily, wearing a black robe with a burnished checked pattern over a suit of armor. At right, Washizu Rokuro grips the end of the banner between his teeth as he draws his sword. An enormous spider web fills the background against the night sky. From left, the actors are Nakamura Shikan IV, Sawamura Tanosuke III, and Sawamura Tossho II. A great supernatural image with large, expressive figures.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few holes and thinning spots, repaired. Toning, creasing, and soiling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.