Comments - Terrific scene from the tale of the Fox Lady, Kuzunoha. The nobleman Abe no Yasuna once rescued a fox by fighting the hunter who had trapped it. The fox returned to visit him as a beautiful young lady named Kuzunoha in order to tend his wounds from the battle. After they married and had a child, their son caught a glimpse of her true fox form, so she decided to leave her family. Here, as she attempts to escape, her husband runs after her. He extends his hand towards her with a frown, their child peering over his back, his purple robe patterned with large kanji characters. A red-faced yakko or footman crouches at left, a box tied to the end of his sword. Magical red foxfires dance about the night sky under vividly colored red maple leaves. An interesting depiction of this popular story, with lively color, fine detailing in the hair and faces, soft shading in the night sky.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Loss at edge, smaller losses and holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details. Otherwise good.