Ichikawa Danjuro as Endo Musha Morito Holding the Head of Kesa Gozen, 1889

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Ichikawa Danjuro as Endo Musha Morito Holding the Head of Kesa Gozen, 1889 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Ichikawa Danjuro as Endo Musha Morito Holding the Head of Kesa Gozen, 1889

Comments - Fantastic design of Ichikawa Danjuro as the warrior Endo Morito holding up the severed head of the beauty Kesa gozen. The virtuous wife of a palace guard, Lady Kesa became the object of the samurai's unwanted affections, and although she repeatedly refused his advances, he remained persistent. To end things, she asked him to kill her husband, then after cutting off her hair, took her husband's place in bed that night. Morito crept into their bedroom and severed the head of what he thought was the beauty's husband. When Morito discovered that he had killed the beauty, he became a monk, taking the name of Mongaku and doing penance under an icy waterfall. This print shows Morito staring at the head unflinchingly, his brows furrowed he realizes that he has killed his beloved instead of her husband. He stands on the stone steps of the palace as maple leaves fall silently around him and misty clouds drift across the full moon. An incredible, bold image from this fantastic story.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. A few tears and holes, small losses, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.

Ichikawa Danjuro as Endo Musha Morito Holding the Head of Kesa Gozen, 1889 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Ichikawa Danjuro as Endo Musha Morito Holding the Head of Kesa Gozen, 1889 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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