Comments - Great kabuki double portrait from a play about the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani between the forces of the Minamoto and Taira clans. In the center, Ichikawa Danjuro appears as the Minamoto general Kumagai Jiro Naozane, who has captured the young Taira Prince Atsumori, played by Onoe Kikugoro. Although the youth is the same age as his own son, as an enemy, Kumagai must kill him. Here, he hesitates with his sword in hand, looking back over his shoulder with an angry frown. Atsumori accepts his fate calmly, his hands clasped together in prayer as he awaits the blow. Wonderful detail in the armor, including touches of burnishing and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone. A bold design with the figures set against a plain background to focus all attention on the characters.
Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight soiling and offsetting, a few creases and small marks. Faint lines where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.
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