Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from the play "Okubo Hikozaemon," which premiered at the Kabukiza or Kabuki Theater in Tokyo in 1893. At left, Ichikawa Danjuro IX plays the older samurai Okubo Hikozaemon, based on the real-life warrior Okubo Tadataka, who served the Tokugawa clan. He stares solemnly at Tokugawa Iemitsu in the center, who glares back at him with a tight-lipped frown, a folding fan in hand. Just below, two small girls perform a dance, gracefully waving fans decorated with pine trees and silver clouds. The two beauties in the group watch Hikozaemon carefully. At right, a mansion extends out over the water, with Mt. Fuji rising against the red sky at top center. Ichikawa Gonjuro plays Iemitsu, and Nakamura Fukusuke plays the beauty at right. A handsome design, nicely detailed with burnishing on the black kimono and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the girls' fans and hair ornaments.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Horizontal folds. A couple small holes, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling, curling. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.