Comments - Terrific illustration from the kabuki dance drama "Funa Benkei" (Benkei in a Boat). In the play, Yoshitsune, his loyal retainer Benkei, and his men encounter the vengeful ghost of Taira no Tomomori while sailing. Yoshitsune had defeated the Taira at the naval Battle of Dan-no-Ura, and Tomomori had committed suicide by tying himself to an anchor and leaping into the sea. His spirit caused a great storm, threatening to swamp Yoshitsune's vessel. Here, Benkei raises his prayer beads above his head as he prays to drive the ghost away. Tomomori threatens the group at left, dancing about with a naginata, his long black hair flowing over his shoulders. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Tomomori, Nakamura Shikan IV as Mihodayu, Nakamura Fukusuke IV as Mondo Iwamatsu, Ichikawa Sadanji I as Benkei, and Ichikawa Ebizo VIII as Yoshitsune. A great image with expressive figures, nicely detailed with embossing on Benkei's white pants and burnishing on his black cap.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple folds at edges. Creasing, slight toning, a few spots and stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.