Comments - Terrific kabuki scene of a warrior drawing a sword concealed in the handle of a lute. He grimaces with rage as he looks up at the samurai in the center, who stares back at him with a tight-lipped frown. the warrior wears a geometric print vest over a green brocade kimono and suit of armor with black trim and what looks like buttons on the chest. At right, a matron raises a fan above her head as a young girl strikes a pose below her as if dancing. Behind the figures, curtains hang in a doorway with a black lacquer frame, with panels on either side depicting a blossoming cherry tree. Nice expressive figures, vibrantly colored, detailed with burnishing on the black trim of the armor and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the sword. The first time we've seen this Chikanobu triptych.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning and soiling at edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details.