Comments - Fantastic supernatural scene of Princess Takiyasha conjuring up several enormous toads. The daughter of the slain warrior Taira no Masakado, she has sworn to avenge his death, and to that end, has learned toad magic from the elderly Iga Jutaro at left. She tilts her chin up defiantly as she grips a naginata in one hand and the end of a scroll containing a magic spell in the other. Iga Jutaro grasps the other end of the scroll, looking up with a grimace as the toads appear in the night sky, their eyes glowing yellow. He wears a shaggy fur vest over a kimono and armor, his long white hair and beard flowing over his shoulders and chest. Another magician stands in between the pair, a heavy brocade robe draped over his shoulders. The sky is framed by tattered reed blinds, with the dark outlines of additional magic toads appearing above the beauty's head at right. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Iga Jutaro, Ichikawa Sadanji I as Taro Masakado, and Onoe Kikugoro V as Takiyasha-hime. A terrific image with wonderful detail and color, including embossing in the white kimono and the elder's white fur vest, and bokashi shading in the sky. A great subject.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Hole, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, small rubbed spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.