Comments - Terrific scene illustrating the kabuki play "Honcho Nijushiko" with the actors Iwai Matsunosuke IV, Nakamura Fukusuke IV and Ichikawa Danjuro IX playing the roles of Nureginu, Katsuyori and Princess Yaegaki. In this scene, Princess Yaegaki reacts with distress after meeting the new gardener, Minosaku, who bears a striking resemblance to her dead fiance, Takeda Katsuyori (and in fact, is actually Katsuyori). The samurai stands quietly with his hands resting atop the hilt of his sword, looking admiringly at the beauty. She turns away with a distraught expression, gesturing toward the portrait of her deceased lover hanging in a scroll niche at right. The faithful maid Nureginu knows who he really is, because her husband was killed as his substitute. A beautiful design from this popular tale, with a wonderfully detailed setting. Nicely detailed with a subtle burnished pattern on the princess's black obi and the black lacquer arch framing the entrance to the next room.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details.