Comments - Fantastic scene from the kabuki play "Onoe Kikugoro Ichidai Banashi," a play featuring the actor Onoe Kikugoro III in some of his most famous supernatural roles, performed just before his retirement in 1847 (although he later returned to the stage). Here, Kikugoro appears as a monk or priest in the midst of a lotus pond where jets of water shoot mysteriously up into the air. He grimaces with rage as he stares at the samurai Shiba Saemon, who stands on shore at right gripping his sword in both hands, leaning forward with a frown. At left, Onoe Kikugoro III appears in a second role as Tenjiku Kaja, a worried expression on his face as he regards the unusual water spouts. The other actors include Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Tsukimoto Enshu kneeling on the shore in the center, and Sawamura Sojuro V as Shiba Saemon at right. An incredible and wonderfully creative design with a striking natural setting. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, has this image in its subject.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 29 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small wormholes, tiny loss at corner, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing, slight paper remnant at right edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.