Comments - Terrific kabuki portrait of Suketakaya Takasuke as Ushiwakamaru fighting tengu on Mt. Kurama. Winged spirits with bird-like beaks and claws, tengu are known for their fencing ability, and they trained Ushiwakamaru, who became the master swordsman and samurai Yoshitsune. He is shown practicing martial arts with two of the creatures, leaping agilely in the air to dodge a blow as he grips a wooden practice sword above his head. His opponents each use a wooden stick as a weapon. A full moon glows above the horizon at right, with the trunks of pine trees in soft silhouette against the evening sky. The scene is presented in the form of a scroll unrolling. A great composition with a wonderfully atmospheric setting.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels backed with paper. Slight separation at ends and a few holes along two vertical folds. Slgiht toning and offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.