Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play "Konoshita Kage Masago no Date-zome" of the evil magician returning to human form after having transformed himself into a rat to steal an incriminating scroll. He appears in a cloud of gray smoke at left, his hands clasped together in a magical gesture and the scroll caught between his teeth. In the center, the nursemaid Masaoka reacts with alarm, holding her lantern high with eyes wide and mouth agape. At right, the loyal samurai Otokonosuke fights off three giant rats, stepping on the back of one of the creatures while grabbing hole of two spears thrust at him. A terrific image from this classic drama, beautifully detailed with a burnished geometric pattern on Nikki Danjo's blue kimono and burnishing on the black lacquer railings of the verandah.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 1/2" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. Slight separation at ends of vertical folds, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, slight paper remnants and rubbing at sides. Please see photos for details. Good overall.