Comments - Fantastic illustration from the famous "Tale of the Heike" showing Yorimasa and Tadazumi killing the mythical nue, a fantastic monster with the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger, and a serpent's tail. The nue had been attacking the imperial palace and tormenting the emperor at night. After shooting the nue with an arrow, Yorimasa stands with bow in hand, holding a flaming torch while his retainer Tadazumi raises a dagger to finish off the beast. The vicious creature snarls, glaring its teeth and twisting its body as its snake tail rears up behind the brave samurai, flickering its red tongue. An incredible depiction of this mythological monster. A princess watches from the left, cowering behind her folding fan. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro, Onoe Eisaburo, and Ichikawa Danjuro. A great choice for collectors interested in the samurai tradition or Japanese folklore.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Small loss and thinning at edges, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and offsetting, a few creases and marks. Please see photos for details.