Comments - Interesting scene from the popular kabuki play commonly known as "Kagamiyama." In the second act, the senior lady-in-waiting Iwafuji challenges her junior, Onoe, to a fight with her to demonstrate her martial arts skills, the test of a true samurai woman. Iwafuji secretly hopes to embarrass Onoe, who comes from a family of commoners. Onoe's loyal maid Ohatsu comes to her mistress's defense, fighting in her place and besting the evil Iwafuji. Here, Onoe sits quietly at left as Ohatsu takes on the other ladies-in-waiting, fighting two women simultaneously with a wooden practice sword in each hand. At right, the evil Iwafuji watches the action with a grim expression. A blossoming cherry tree against a blue sky decorates the back wall of the room. Nicely detailed with expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 29 1/4" + margin as shown

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