Comments - Incredible kabuki scene from the play "Keya Saga Nekoma ko," a drama about a cat witch taking possession of a beauty. After killing the beauty Otoyo, the cat took her form to take vengeance on Otoyo's sweetheart, the daimyo Namishima Taishu. Here, the witch's true nature appears as she begins to turn into a cat with large protruding ears and dark hair flowing wildly about her head. She looks to the side with a worried expression, surrounded by several samurai who draw their weapons, ready to attack. A giant cat monster peers through a reed blind behind them, snarling, its glowing eyes wide. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Ganjuro as Ito Souta, Suketakya Takasuke as Komori Handayu, Sawamura Hyakunosuke as Otoyo no Kata, Nakamura Tokizo as Takagi Sanpei, and Bando Shuka as Adzuma Yoshiro. A fantastic image from this legendary tale, detailed with fine line work in the hair and lively color. A terrific subject for a collector interested in supernatural Japanese tales.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Loss at edge, wormholes, thinning along vertical folds at sides, repaired. Wrinkling throughout, staining, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.