Kumagai and Atsumori at the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, 1881 - Terrific kabuki scene from a play about the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani between the forces of the Minamoto and the Taira. At right, the enraged Minamoto warrior Kumagai Jiro Naozane waves his fan as he gallops after the Taira samurai Atsumori, who is attempting to escape. The young nobleman, in his first battle, stares back at his enemy with a solemn frown. A separate scene at left depicts a beauty holding a baby to her chest, a samurai at her side looking up at her with a sad frown. According to the "Tale of the Heike," Naozane captured and tearfully beheaded Prince Atsumori, later becoming a Buddhist monk. The tragic story of Atsumori's death became the subject of many Noh and kabuki plays. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro, Nakamura Fukusuke, Ichikawa Danjuro, and Nakamura Shikan. A bold composition with large expressive figures, detailed with burnishing on the fan.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Small loss at corner, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.