Comments - Dramatic scene from the story of the junior lady-in-waiting Onoe, who was disgraced after the jealous senior lady-in-waiting substituted a sandal for a valuable statue in Onoe's care. Unable to bear the shame of being publicly berated by Iwafuji, the beauty decided to commit suicide. Here, she kneels in her private quarters, holding a sword to her throat as the evil Iwafuji grins, taking hold of a small cloth parcel in Onoe's hand. At left, Onoe's loyal maid, Ohatsu, eavesdrops outside the doorway, determined to avenge her mistress's death. From left, the actors are Sawamura Tanosuke, Nakamura Shikan, and Nakamura Fukusuke. An unusual depiction from this famous tale, detailed with a beautiful burnished geometric pattern in Iwafuji's black kimono, and a handsomely detailed interior setting.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple small losses, a few small holes, repaired. Creasing and wrinkling, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.