Comments - Fantastic scene from the kabuki play "Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari," a drama about the samurai Jiraiya, a folk hero who also practiced toad magic. Jiraiya's family was killed when he was an infant, and the murderers threw the child off a cliff into a deep valley. Jiraiya was rescued by the hermit, Senso Dojin, a practitioner of toad magic, who trained Jiraiya in the mystical arts. There were three types of magic: toad, snake, and slug, with each able to overpower one opponent but not both, so when all three met, none could be victorious. Dojin sits in front of an enormous toad with glowing yellow eyes, staring down at the young beauty Kairiki Otsuna, who wears a white pilgrim's vest and a straw raincoat over her kimono. Below, a snake slithers on the ground, a toad carries a skull, and at right, a slug approaches Jiraiya's foot. There were three types of magic: toad, snake, and slug. An incredible supernatural design, beautifully colored and detailed. A great choice for a collector interested in Japanese folklore and legends.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing and a few creases at edges, a couple stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.