Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene of the great scholar and calligrapher Sugawara no Michizane calling forth a thunderstorm while praying atop Mt. Tempai during his exile. Bolts of orange lightening zigzag across the dark sky as he leans forward, gusts of wind whipping his hair and blowing his robes about him. With both hands he clutches a petition attached to a blossoming cherry branch, staring ahead with a determined expression, wearing a white kimono tucked into black pants. An inset at upper right shows a nobleman leaning on an armrest with his chin on his hand. Beautifully detailed with an embossed geometric pattern on the white kimono and a burnishing scroll pattern on the black robe and pants. The only time we've seen this rare design. A bold and dramatic image and a real kabuki masterwork by Kunichika.
Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4"
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A couple spots. Please see photos for details.