Comments - Handsome triptych featuring two scenes from a kabuki play. At right, Lady Tokiwa, the widow of Minamoto Yoshitomo, and her young sons are shown in the snow while attempting to escape. Yoshitomo was killed by Taira no Kiyomori, and Lady Tokiwa fled with her children, but was caught by the great Taira retainer Munekiyo. The warrior glares at her angrily, holding a sign in his hand, as her eldest son kneels at his feet praying for mercy, his hands clasped. She cradles her infant to her chest as her middle boy nervously bites his fingers at her side, smiling serenely back at her captor. In the image at left, a wild-haired warrior wearing a magnificent dragon grips a sword concealed in a shamisen handle as he glares over his shoulder. A nobleman crouches below him, frowning unhappily. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Yaozo, Ichikawa Danjuro, Nakamura Fukusuke, Nakamura [?], and Nakamura Shikan. An attractive design with vibrant color and an attractive landscape background at right.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning and creasing. Please see photos for details.