Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura" at the Ichimura Theater. At left, a magic fox has disguised himself as Minamoto no Yoshitsune's loyal retainer Tadanobu in an effort to retrieve a drum that the samurai had given to his sweetheart, the beauty Shizuka. He crouches at left with the drum in his hand, his hair sticking out wildly atop his head, revealing something of his animal nature. Shizuka regards him intently as she holds a sword in her hand. Yoshitsune watches at right with a stern frown. The panels along the back wall are decorated with the paulownia crest of the Minamoto clan, and the room opens onto a garden with a blossoming cherry tree at left. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX, Nakamura Fukusuke IV, and Ichikawa Gonjuro. Detailed with metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the flowers adorning the beauty's hair. The first time we've seen this Chikanobu design.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Diagonal folds. A few repairs, creasing. Please see photos for details.