Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Hayano Kampei - Terrific portrait of Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Hayano Kampei, the only ronin who did not take part in the night attack on Moronao's mansion. Here, he clutches a drawstring bag under his outer blue kimono as he looks slyly over his shoulder. While out hunting one night, he shot what he thought was a boar, but in the darkness discovered it was a man with a moneybag. Taking the purse so he could pay to join the vendetta, he returned home only to find that his father-in-law Yoichibei had been murdered. Believing that he had killed Yoichibei, Kampei decided to commit suicide to atone for his deed. As he died, he discovered that he had shot the villain Sadakuro, who had killed Yoichibei, and the ronin allow him to sign the vendetta. Nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair. The print border features the crossed hawk feather crest for the Hangan family and two inverted commas for his retainer Yuranosuke's crest.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Very slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few wormholes, repaired. Light rippling and curling. Please see photos for details.