Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of an actor as the evil magician Nikki Danjo in a play about the disputed succession of the Date clan. Involved in a plot to wrest control of the clan, Danjo transformed himself into a giant rat to steal an incriminating scroll. While a rat, the loyal retainer Otokonosuke struck him on the head, and after returning to human form the wound appears on his forehead. The large figure nicely fills the space, the background decorated with bush clover and framed by the three concentric rice measure crest used by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. An attractive design. Includes embossing on the white kimono collar and the sword hilt.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 18 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Thinning at edge, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few stains, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.