Comments - Fantastic kabuki triptych from the play commonly known as "Seki no To." At right, the evil Otomo Kuronushi, who is disguised as the barrier guard Sekibei, attempts to chop down a cherry tree while drunk. Just as he is about the strike, the spirit of the cherry tree appears in the form of the lovely courtesan Sumizome. She stands in front of a large hollow in the tree, her purple kimono patterned with pink cherry blossoms. Kuronushi pauses as he stares at the beauty, still grasping an enormous axe with both hands. At left, the nobleman Yoshimine Munesada watches the confrontation with a frown. Pink cherry blossoms frame the red sky above. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Sadanji I, Iwai Hanshiro VIII, and Ichikawa Danjuro IX. A great bold design with large colorful figures, detailed with burnishing on the axe and faint embossing on Kuronushi's white under robe.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 1/2" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. Small losses and thinning at edge, repaired. Creasing throughout. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.