Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene of a samurai delivering a message to a monk. In the center, the messenger gestures eagerly with his fan as he talks excitedly, looking up at the monk, who lifts the rim of his woven hat to watch as a cuckoo flies across the dark night sky. He holds a string of prayer beads, and wears a violet robe over a delicately embossed white kimono. At right, a warrior monk watches the bird with an alarmed expression, wearing a black monk's robe over an ocher colored kimono and suit of armor. At left, a samurai grimaces as he looks up, a spears in hand and the sleeves of his green robe tied back with a white sash. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro, Nakamura Shikan, Bando Hikosaburo, and Ichikawa Sadanji. A handsome design with expressive faces and soft shading in the night sky.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Small losses and thinning at edges, repaired. Slight soiling, rubbing at edges, wrinkle and staining at side. Please see photos for details.