Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the tale of Princess Wakana, who practiced spider magic. Here, her daughter Otomo appears at left, smiling sweetly as she looks up, a brocade sash in her hand. The three samurai beside her each look in a different direction, gripping their swords as they await the appearance of the giant spider whose enormous web stretches across the dark background. At right, the samurai Genkai Nadaemon holds his weapon upright over his shoulder, a worried expression on his face. He wears a magnificent black kimono with dragon motifs over a suit of armor trimmed with black fur cuffs. At bottom center, Washizu Rokuro frowns unhappily as he turns his head to the side. His robe features flying cranes and swirling clouds. Above him, Shichiro looks up with a scowl, ready to spring into action. The actors are Bando Shuka I as Otomo, Bando Hikosaburo I as Shichiro, Arashi [?] II as Washizu Rokuro, and Arashi [?] III as Genkai Nadaemon. A fantastic supernatural design with large expressive figures. Beautifully detailed with burnished patterns on the black kimono at right; light embossing on the white kimono trim, the cords tied around the samurai's topknots, and the cranes' feathers; and fine bokashi shading in the background. A great design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 29 1/2"+ margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Separation along vertical fold at side of panel, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing at edge, a few creases. Please see photos for details.