Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from a drama about the daimyo Ashikaga Yorikane and his young heir. Yorikane's evil uncle, Onitsura, and his henchmen have decided to murder Yorikane so that Onitsura can become head of the clan. They arrange to attack him near the Hanamizu Bridge, but Yorikane's loyal retainer, the former Sumo wrestler Kinugawa, comes to his rescue, fighting off the assailants. Here, Yorikane stands at the foot of the bridge, looking up at the sky with an angry grimace as Kinugawa waits behind him, wearing a plum colored robe patterned with shogi (chess) pieces over a red sumo apron trimmed with fringe. A curtain decorated with sparrows and bamboo blows in the wind at left, with a circular inset featuring a portrait of a scowling sumo wrestler. A willow tree frames a view of a full moon above the silhouette of the city skyline along the horizon. The left panel shows Kawarazaki Gonjuro and the right panel features Nakamura Shikan. A handsome design with an attractive setting, detailed with fine bokashi shading in the water and sky.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Soiling and slight rubbing at edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.