Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene of a crowd of men and women fighting with swords as they gather around a man in the center dressed in a black kimono with fish on it. He watches with a frown, his brows furrowed, as the people around him clash their blades together. The women wear matching periwinkle blue kimono patterned with herons and crows, representing good and evil respectively. The men wear blue and white cotton kimono featuring bold patterns, the sleeves tied back with rope. The patterns include Shoki, the Demon Queller, butterflies, a tiger, a lion, pine trees, and a dragon. A lively and unusual image, with expressive figures set off by a deep red background and fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 7/8" + top margin as shown

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