Comments - Interesting scene from "Hakoneyama Soga no Taimen," one of the many plays about the famous Soga Brothers, whose father was killed by the Kudo Suketsune when they were young boys. The pair vowed to avenge his death when they grew up. At lower left, Hakoomaru, the childhood name of Soga Goro, angrily confronts Suketsune, who glares back at him, a red lacquer scabbard in his outstretched hand. The nobleman grimaces angrily, wearing a voluminous blue outer robe with his family crest emblazoned on the sleeve and shoulder, and a black court cap. At right, the older brother Soga Juro leans forward as he watches Suketsune closely, his green kimono patterned with his trademark plovers in flight. At upper left, the koshimoto or lady's maid Asahi holds a sword upright, looking back over her shoulder with a slightly worried expression. At screen at right features peonies, and the room opens onto a garden framed by blossoming cherry branches against a red sky. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikunosuke, Onoe Eizaburo, Onoe Kikugoro, and Bando Kakitsu. Nice expressive figures, detailed with burnishing on the beauty's hair and the black cap.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold. A couple small repairs, creasing throughout, folds at corners. Please see photos for details.