Series; Twelve Kabuki Plays, 1952
Watonai Waiting for a Signal - Terrific illustration from the kabuki play "Kokusen'ya Gassen," set mainly in China. The warrior Watonai has traveled to China to help restore the Ming Dynasty. He has asked his half-sister to plead his case with her husband, a general. This scene shows the angry Watonai on a bridge at Lion Castle, holding a flaming torch aloft as he examines the water below for a signal. His half-sister was to release either white pigment signaling success for his plan or red pigment indicating failure. However, instead of red pigment, the red comes from her own blood, unbeknownst to Watonai. A dramatic composition with the bold figure of the samurai and the exotic architecture dominating the scene. A fantastic image from this popular play. Published by Uchida.
Artist - Sadanobu III (1881 - 1963)
Image Size - 11" x 10" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.
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