Comments - Great scene from the popular kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura" of the triumphant 47 ronin returning from the night attack on Moronao's mansion on their way to lay their enemy's severed head at the grave of their master, Lord Hangan. They are stopped by a hatamoto, a samurai in the direct service of the Tokugawa Shogunate, mounted on horseback and carrying a spear, who forbids them from passing into his master's province. Instead, the warriors were forced to cross the river by the Eitai Bridge instead. Still carrying their weapons and wearing the ronin's trademark black and white dogtooth bordered robes, the samurai exchange frowns and scowls as they hear the news. At bottom center is Oboshi Yuranosuke, the leader of the ronin, with his young son, Rikiya, standing behind him. A handsome scene with large figures and lively color, beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black areas of the robes and the black kimono at lower left.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss at edge, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.