Comments - Intriguing scene of beauties practicing martial arts in a scene from the story of the lady-in-waiting Onoe. The senior lady-in-waiting Iwafuji challenges her junior, Onoe, to a fight with wooden practice swords to demonstrate her martial arts skills, the test of a true samurai woman. Iwafuji secretly hopes to embarrass Onoe, who comes from a family of commoners. Onoe's loyal maid Ohatsu comes to her mistress's defense, fighting in her place and besting the evil Iwafuji, who is shown at right in a light blue kimono, grimacing angrily. In the center, Ohatsu wields a sword in each hand as she kneels atop a fallen woman. At left, Onoe looks back over her shoulder with a slightly worried expression. The room opens onto a verandah overlooking a palaces courtyard with blossoming cherry trees. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold. Pinholes in corners, a few holes, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases and small stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.