Ichikawa Sadanji I as Okawa Tomoemon, 1889 - Fantastic scene of the young samurai Okawa Tomoemon rescuing important documents from the burning palace of his daimyo, Lord Hosokawa. The loyal Okawa rushed back into the flames to retrieve the documents, only to discover that escape was impossible. To save the papers, he committed suicide by disemboweling himself, thrusting the documents into his belly in the hope that his body would prevent them from burning. After the fire, his charred body was recovered with the bloodstained scrolls intact, thus saving his master's fortunes. Here the samurai looks wildly around for escape, red flames swirling and burning embers flying around him, the document box tucked under his arm. An incredibly dramatic scene, beautifully printed. A terrific illustration of Okawa's heroic sacrifice and a great subject for a collector interested in classic Japanese tales.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 18 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels. Horizontal folds. Creasing, toning at edges, small stain. Please see photos for details.