Comments - Fantastic scene of the samurai Okawa Tomoemon rescuing a precious certificate from the burning storehouse of his daimyo, Lord Hosokawa. The loyal Tomoemon rushed into the flames to retrieve the document, only to discover that escape was impossible. To save the treasure, he committed suicide by disemboweling himself, thrusting the documents into his belly in the hope that his body would prevent them from burning. After the fire, his charred body was recovered with the bloodstained scrolls intact, thus saving his master's fortunes. Here, the samurai clenches the document between his teeth as he prepares to plunge his sword into this stomach, embers flying about and lighting his clothes on fire as the building begins to collapse around him. Outside the wall at left, Lord Hosokawa watches while Lady Shoyo stands beside him holding a naginata. The young page Innami Kazuma looks on with a concerned expression. The actors include Ichikawa Gonjuro as Hosokawa Taishu, Ichikawa Yonezo as Innami Kazuma, and Ichikawa Sadanji as Okawa Tomoemon. An incredibly dramatic design, beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black kimono and Lady Shoyo's black cap.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight curling, light stain on one face. Please see photos for details.