Ejiri and Fuchu: Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Otokonosuke and Ichikawa Komazo VII as Nikki Danjo - Great kabuki double portrait from a series pairing actors with two stations along the Tokaido Road. This print features Ichikawa Shinsho as the evil magician Nikki Danjo and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as the loyal samurai Arajishi Otokonosuke in a play about the contested succession of the Date clan. Danjo had transformed himself into a giant rat in order to steal an incriminating scroll, catching the attention of Otokonosuke, who was guarding the Date heir. Danjo appears at left as he returns to human form, his hands clasped together in a magical gesture and the scroll in his mouth. The samurai glares up at him furiously, a short sword in his hand. He wears a boldly patterned plaid kimono over a red under robe, his red stage makeup and bushy hair adding to his fierce appearance. Beautifully detailed with embossing and burnishing in the plaid kimono, and fine bokashi shading in the night sky. A handsome design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A couple small holes repaired. Wrinkling, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.