Comments - Terrific kabuki triptych features two different scenes. At left, the young warrior Ushiwakamaru (the feature Yoshitsune) battles the famous brigand Kumasaka Chohan. The agile young Ushiwakamaru leaps in the air, bringing his sword down against the thief's naginata handle. Chohan glares back at him with a tight-lipped frown, his cropped hair forming a bushy halo above his head. He wears a black monk's robe over a dragon print kimono and suit of armor. A diagonal line separates the fight from a portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro as Soga Goro Tokimune in the famous drama "Ya-no-ne" (The Arrowhead). He grips an enormous arrow, staring fiercely over his shoulder. His flared wig and red stage makeup adds to his imposing appearance. A dynamic design with large expressive figures and lively color, nicely detailed with burnishing on the black areas of the border and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the blades of the weapons.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight offsetting, slight glue residue at upper right corner of left panel. Please see photos for details.