Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the story commonly known as "Vengeance at Iga Pass" or the "Igagoe Revenge," a true tale that resulted in many popular kabuki plays. The hero, Wada Shizuma, enlists the help of the swordsman Masaemon to avenge his father's death, waiting to attack the murderer Sawai Matagoro as he travels through Iga Pass. At right, the angry villain, Matagoro, grips his sword with both hands as Shizuma confronts him from the ground, waving his blade at him. Ikezoe Magohachi assists him in the center panel, pointing his sword accusingly at the murderer. Behind him, Sakurai Rinzaemon thrusts a spear at Kataoka Nizaemon, who grabs the weapon while raising his sword overhead. A man tumbles to the ground at far left, still holding onto his spear, and the towers of a great castle rise above a moat in the distance. Birds flutter through the sky in dark silhouette, a rosy glow spreading along the horizon as the sun sets. The actors are Ichikawa Ebizo V as Sawai Matagoro, Onoe Baiko 4.5 (later Jitsukawa Enjaku I) as Wada Shizuma, Ichikawa Hakuen as Ikezoe Magohachi, Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Sakurai Rinzaemon (last actor not identified). A great depiction of the surprise attack, with expressive figures. Nicely detailed with embossing on the white robes and soft shading on the water and sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 29 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold. Small repair, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.