Comments - Interesting kabuki scene depicting the Battle of Ueno during Boshin or Toh Dai War of 1868 - 1869 between samurai loyal to the shogunate and Meiji Imperial troops. At right, a samurai wearing a dragon vest over his armor throws his hand out in alarm, a tight-lipped frown on his face. In the center, a monk lifts his hat with a slight smile, seemingly unconcerned with the fighting going on behind him and the shots streaking across the scene at left. At left, a warrior monk grimaces as he looks up, gripping a club with both hands. The man at far left wears the distinctive shaguma or "Red Bear" wig that identifies him as a soldier from the Tosa clan fighting for the emperor. Temple buildings can be seen in silhouette along the horizon, with orange flames rising from the structure at upper left. A striking design, detailed with burnishing on the black uniforms at left, the monk's hat, and the armor at right, and embossing on the monk's white under robe.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/8"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds between panels. A few repairs, wrinkling at sides, light vertical lines where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.