Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami," based on the life of the great scholar Sugawara no Michizane, a high-ranking minister to the Emperor who was exiled after false accusations by his enemy, Shihei. The evil Shihei has ordered Sugawara's son to be killed at his village school. Shihei's retainer Matsuomaru, the warrior in the center, has secretly substituted his own son to repay debts to Sugawara. He stares over his shoulder with eyes wide, his lips tightly closed in a determined grimace as he learns the child has been killed, trying not to reveal his secret sorrow. Genzo, the schoolteacher charged with carrying out the order, crouches before him, frowning suspiciously, while Shihei's henchman Genba watches from the right, cloaked in a voluminous black robe, his red stage makeup giving him an evil appearance. Terrific expressive figures and lively color, with fine embossed detail on Matsuomaru's kimono and burnishing on both black robes.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple creases at corners and small spots. Please see photos for details.