Horizontal Oban Kabuki Prints by Toyokuni III - Handsome design from an untitled series of horizontal kabuki prints by Toyokuni III dating from 1847 - 1852. The horizontal oban format is an interesting departure from the more commonly seen vertical oban actor prints, allowing Toyokuni III to create detailed settings for the characters. These images provide a nice context for the interaction between the figures. Some prints feature deluxe publishing treatments such as burnishing or embossing. An interesting complement to Toyokuni III's more well-known vertical kabuki designs.

Mirror Mountain, 1848 - Great scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Kagamiyama (Mirror Mountain). In the second act, the senior lady-in-waiting Iwafuji challenges her junior, Onoe, to a fight with to demonstrate her martial arts skills, the test of a true samurai woman. Iwafuji secretly hopes to embarrass Onoe, who comes from a family of commoners. Onoe's loyal maid Ohatsu comes to her mistress's defense, fighting in her place and besting the evil Iwafuji. Here, Ohatsu has fallen on her hands and knees at left, her wooden practice sword lying on the floor. Onoe reaches out to her with alarm, waving a fan above her head. At right, Iwafuji looks on with a horrified expression, still gripping her weapon. From left, the actors are Sawamura Sojuro V as Meshitsukai Ohatsu, Onoe Baiko IV as Churo Onoe, Matsumoto Kinsho I as Tsubone Iwafuji. A classic scene from this popular drama, nicely detailed and colored.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 9 3/8" x 13 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of vertical centerfold, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.