Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene from a famous tale featuring Ichikawa Sadanji I as the samurai Watanabe no Tsuna and Onoe Kikugoro V as the demon Ibaraki. According to legend, the fierce Ibaraki had been harassing people who tried to pass through the Rashomon Gate, so the great Minamoto warrior Watanabe no Tsuna decided to investigate and vanquish the demon. Ibaraki attacked him, and the pair battled until Tsuna was able to draw his dirk and sever the demon's arm. Ibaraki went screaming away, and Tsuna took the arm home as a trophy and locked it in a chest. Here, the grimacing demon grips Tsuna by the neck, as he struggles to free himself. He grips the dirk in his other hand, poised to attack when the moment is right. Horns rise from Ibaraki's mass of red-grown hair, and the swirling pattern of the demon's kimono creates a dizzying sense of motion. A terrific action design, beautifully drawn and detailed with exceptionally fine line work in the hair, burnishing on Tsuna's black court cap, and touches of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone. An outstanding and rage image by this Osaka artist. A great choice for a discerning kabuki collector.

Artist - Shosetsu Motoharu (1858 - 1903)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight stains in margin only, not visible when panels are placed side to side. A beautifully clean, crisp printing. Please see photos for details.