Comments - Handsome kabuki print featuring two different scenes from the play commonly known as "Imoseyama Onna Teikin." At right, Ichikawa Danjuro appears as the evil nobleman Iruka, holding an enormous red lacquer cup of sake as he looks to the side. He wears a brightly colored coat with a brocade collar over a yellow kimono tucked into red pants, his long hair pulled back into a low ponytail. The other part of the scene at left features , a red-faced samurai glaring back at him angrily. In the center, the beauty Omiwa has fallen in love with the young Motome, who is actually the samurai Fujiwara no Nakatomi Tankai who has been fighting Iruka. One night follows Princess Tachibana, whom he suspects is the sister of Iruka, by tying a red thread to her robe. The jealous Omiwa in turn ties a white thread to Motome to follow him. Here, each holds a spool of thread, Motome grinning while the beauty looks dismayed. The actors include Ichikawa Danjuro as Iruka and Bando Kakitsu as Motome. An interesting design with vibrant color, nicely detailed with burnishing on the black kimono trim and obi, and the black lacquer frame of the doorway at right. The first time we've seen this subject.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, stain. Please see photos for details. Good overall.