Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from the play "Ichi-no-tani futaba gunki, a drama about the Battle of Ichi-no-tani between the Taira and the Minamoto. After killing his young son Kojiro in place of the Taira Prince Atsumori, whom he captured during the fight but set free, the Minamoto warrior Kumagai Naozane became a monk to say prayers for his son. He is shown here at left, wearing a black monk's robe, his head shaven. At top center, Minamoto no Yoshitsune watches him with a frown, while below, Kumagai's wife Sagami prods him with a slender bamboo pole. At right, Yaheibe Munekiyo carries a chest of armor over his back. The warrior sitting in the room behind him holds a cylindrical box holding the head of Atsumori, which is actually that of his substitute Kojiro, for identification. From left, the principal actors are Ichikawa Ebizo V, Ichikawa Dannosuke V, Onoe Kikujiro II, Ichikawa Gangyoku I, and Bando Hikosaburo IV as Munekiyo. Nicely detailed. Please note, the darkening on the face and hands of Munekiyo is due to oxidization of the pigment used.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/2" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning along vertical fold at side, a few holes, repaired. Rubbing, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.