Comments - Handsome scene from a kabuki play based on the true story of the contested Date Clan succession in the 17th century. The loyal wet nurse Masaoka has been charged with protecting young Tsuruchiyo, heir to the clan, who is in danger of being poisoned. She is shown here affectionately stroking the chins of both the heir and her son, Senmatsu, a playmate of Tsuruchiyo. She looks warily over her shoulder at a nobleman, eying him suspiciously, always cautious in maintaining her important duty to watch over the child. A separate scene at right shows a commoner with a small wicker box hanging over his shoulder and a straw hat at his back, scowling as he looks to the side. An attractive design with fine architectural detail in the palace interior, the walls lined with panels depicting birds in a bamboo grove.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A few small wormholes, slight thinning at edges, repaired, blends well. Paper slightly rippled, a few creases, very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.