Comments - Great kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Sadanji as the samurai Hirai Yasumasa in the dance drama "Tsuchi Gumo" (The Earth Spider), a story about the Minamoto warrior Raiko, who fell ill and dreamed that a ground spider was preparing to cast a web over him. Here, Yasumasa, one of Raiko's loyal retainers, grips his sword with both hands as he looks up with an angry frown, his brows furrowed as threads of spider web shoot across the night sky above him. A lively image from this popular tale, detailed with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Creasing, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details.