Comments - Handsome fan print depicting a scene from the kabuki play "Dan-no-ura kabuto gunki." The lovely courtesan Akoya, mistress of the warrior Taira Kagekiyo, who escaped following the Battle of Dan-no-ura, was kidnapped for questioning to reveal her lover's whereabouts. The Genji commander Shigetada forced her to play music to test her honesty after she said she did not know his location. Her playing was so pure and sincere, that Shigetada realized she was telling the truth. Here, Akoya plays a kokyo, an instrument similar to a shamisen but played upright with a bow, as she looks up at Shigetada. At right, Shigetada's retainer Iwanaga watches the beauty closely. Nicely detailed and vibrantly colored.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - Page size 9" x 11 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Stitching holes at side, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.