Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of an actor in the role of the border guard Sekibei in the play commonly known as "Seki no To." After drinking sake one evening, Sekibei decided to chop down a cherry tree. When his hands were rendered numb he became unable to move, he suspected something supernatural, and the spirit of the cherry tree appeared in the guise of the courtesan Sumizome to do battle with him. Here, he grimaces angrily as he looks to the side, his eyes bulging with rage. A few cherry blossom petals drift down over a red lacquer sake cup. A striking design, detailed with silver mica on the background of the inset.

Artist - Torii Kiyotada VII (1875 - 1941)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 11 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical folds, fold at corner. Tear at edge, repaired. A couple spots. Please see photos for details.