Comments - Dramatic illustration from the kabuki play "Takagi Oriemon budojitsu roku" featuring Nakamura Utaemon IV as Otaka Tonomo at left and Seki Sanjuro III as Yokoyama Daizo at right. Tonomo bites his lower lip as he commits seppuku or ritual suicide, preparing to thrust a blade deep into his belly. His body is covered with bloody handprints, and his long hair flows wildly over his shoulders. Daizo stands behind, grimacing and gripping a sword upright, ready to serve as second and decapitate his companion at the moment of death. A rather gruesome, intense depiction, rendered very expressively. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 9" x 14 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some rubbing and soiling, especially at bottom edge, as shown. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.