Comments - Great kabuki portrait of Bando Shuka I as the young samurai Taira no Atsumori in the "Kumiuchi" scene of "Ichi-no-Tani Futaba Gunki" at the Ichimura Theater, a kabuki play based on the real-life Battle of Ichi-no-Tani between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 1184. After being captured by the Minamoto warrior Kumagai Naozane, the young Taira samurai Atsumori awaits his death. He kneels calmly on the shore, his hands clasped in prayer as he accepts his own fate, his horse prancing about the beach behind him. According to the "Tale of the Heike," Kumagai tearfully beheaded the young prince, but promised to say prayers for him, and later becomes a monk. The tragic story of Atsumori's death became the subject of many Noh and kabuki plays. Nicely detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. A couple light creases at edges. Please see photos for details.