Comments - Striking design featuring kabuki portraits on hagoita or battledores, used for a traditional New Year's game similar to badminton. Both characters are from a play about the disputed succession of the Date clan. At left, the wicked magician Nikki Danjo clasps his hands together as he casts a spell after transforming himself into a rat to steal an incriminating scroll, which he clenches between his teeth. At right, the loyal samurai Otokonosuke Teruhide grimaces angrily as he spies the magic rat, raising his fan above his head to strike the creatures before it darts away. During the Edo era, battledores were often decorated with images of actors, so this is an appropriate format for kabuki portraits. Two great expressive figures..

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small loss at corner, a few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a couple vertical wrinkles, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.