Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene from the play commonly known as "Natsu matsuri" showing the otokodate Danshichi Kurobei and his father-in-law, Giheiji, in a courtyard. In the play, Danshichi gets into an argument with Giheiji, and ends up murdering him. Here, the elderly man stumbles backwards onto the ground in fright. Danshichi strikes a pose gripping his sword behind his back. He wears only a red loincloth, highlighting his magnificent full body tattoo of a lion and peony blossoms above a waterfall. A beauty watches at left, shielding a lantern behind the sleeve of her purple kimono. In the background, red lanterns on poles and festival floats in dark silhouette can be seen beyond the fence. The inset at upper left features Ichikawa Sadanji I as the street knight Tokubei. The other actors are Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Danshichi and Ichikawa Sadanji I in a duel role as Gihei. A fantastic illustration from this famous play with bold, expressive figures and wonderful detail in the tattoo, with handsome wood grain impression in the background.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail and shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight soiling, a few creases, slight ink bleeding and rubbing at edges, slight curling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.