Comments - Terrific kabuki portrait Nakamura Shikan IV as the great warrior Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshinaka. After Yoshinaka's death, Kanemitsu rescued his master's son and escaped, disguised as the boatman Matsuemon. Here, the boatman prepares to defend himself, gripping his oar behind his back as a weapon as he grimaces with rage. His hair blows wildly around his face, and he is bleeding from a wound to his forehead. He wears a light blue shirt with a tie-dyed pattern favored by boatmen, his outer robes pushed down to the waist for easier movement. A fantastic, bold image with strong graphic impact, nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical fold and rubbing at side. Small repair, indented mark on face, horizontal line across center where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.