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Watonai Waiting for a Signal - Terrific image from a kabuki play based on the novel "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu. The warrior Watonai traveled to China to help restore the Ming Dynasty, asking his half-sister, Kinshojo, to plead his case with her husband, General Kanki. To convey the result, she was supposed to release white pigment into the river for success, or red pigment for failure. Here, Watonai strikes a bold pose atop a stone bridge, lifting his hat above his head as he thrusts out a flaming torch, looking into water as he awaits the signal from Kinshojo. His red stage makeup gives him a fierce appearance, and his red armored shirt and boldly patterned purple and white kimono add strong graphic patterning. A great, dynamic design, detailed with burnishing on the black kimono collar and trim.
Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Image Size - 13 3/4" x 18 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
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