Scene from Dan-no-ura kabuto gunki, 1847 - Handsome triptych illustrating a scene from the kabuki play "Dan-no-ura kabuto gunki" at the Nakamura Theater. The lovely courtesan Akoya, mistress of the warrior Taira Kagekiyo, who escaped following the Battle of Dan-no-ura, was kidnapped for questioning to reveal her lover's whereabouts. The Genji commander Shigetada forced her to play three instruments to test her honesty after she said she did not know his location. Her playing was so pure and sincere, that Shigetada realized she was telling the truth. In this scene, Akoya performs on the kokyu, an instrument similar to a shamisen but played with a bow. She looks sweetly back over her shoulder at Shigetada, who frowns slightly as he grips his fan. The uncouth villain Iwanaga, who is slumped over the brazier at right in a bored manner, watches the performance reluctantly. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Onoe Kikujiro II, and Onoe Tamizo II. A terrific image from this classic play with expressive figures and a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 19 1/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, loss and thinning at corner, a few small wormholes, repaired. Creasing throughout, folds, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.