Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play commonly known as the "Hakkenden," based on the epic novel "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Warriors" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden), which tells the story of eight great warriors who were the offspring of a mystical union between Princess Fuse and a dog. This triptych features an imagined cast of famous actors, rather than an actual performance. The ghost of Princess Fuse appears in the center dressed as a nun, smiling sweetly as she reads from a scroll. At right, a bushy-haired warrior makes a magical gesture with his hands as he frowns unhappily at his companion. At left, a very young warrior grips a spear with both hands, his long hair pulled back into a thick ponytail. The center panel features Iwai Kumesaburo III as ghost of Fuse-hime, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Inuzuka Shino Takataka, and Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Inukai Genpachi Nobumichi. The actors in the right panel are Nakamura Shibajaku IV, Bando Mitsugoro VI, Ichimura Kakitsu IV. A great group portrait with wonderfully expressive faces and fine detail in the hair and clothing. Includes embossing in the white kimono.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight soiling, a few creases, very slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.