Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene of the Heian-era nobleman, Fujiwara no Yasumasa, playing his flute on the lonely moor of Ichihara while walking home one night. His brother, Hakamadare Yasusuke (Kidomaru) snuck up on him, intent on robbing him of his elegant robe, but enchanted by Yasumasa's beautiful music, he stopped in his tracks. Kidomaru instead followed his brother home, who only then became aware of his presence and happily gave him a robe. Here, Yasumasa looks straight ahead as he plays the instrument, the wind blowing his robes around him. Kidomaru crouches beside him, ready to draw his sword. He wears a black fur vest over a green and yellow patterned kimono and matching pants, his short hair sticking up atop his head with longer locks pulled into a low ponytail over his back. Misty clouds drift across the full moon, and the sasaki grass rustles in the breeze. A circular inset at upper right depicts a beauty adjusting a hairpin, while a diagonally divided section at left shows a man sitting at a low lectern, chanting or singing, a fan in his hand. A terrific, striking design, detailed with burnishing on the black cap and kimono, fine bokashi shading on the sky, and metallic zigzag lines that have oxidized to a dark tone on the white pants.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A couple small repairs and creases, slight rubbing at edge. Please see photos for details.