Comments - Terrific kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro as the evil magician Nikki Danjo in the play "Date kurabe Okuni kabuki," who is able to transform himself into a rat. At right, Bando Takesaburo appears as the warrior Izutsu Menosuke. While in rat form, Danjo stole an incriminating scroll, and Menosuke struck him on the head with a knife. After returning to his human shape, Danjo is still bleeding from the wound to his forehead, grimacing angrily as he looks over his shoulder at his attacker. He wears a dark gray kamishimo over a brown kimono, his long pants trailing beneath his feet and his hands tucked at his sides. A great image from this popular play, with expressive figures and soft shading on the background.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 19 3/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. A few small repairs and creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.