Comments - Dramatic scene from the play commonly known as "Ranpei Monogurui" (Ranpei's Madness), a complex tale about the yakko or footman Ranpei, who strangely becomes mad every time a sword is drawn, working himself into a frenzy. The madness is a ruse, however, to help him in his plot to kill Lord Yukihira after stealing Imperial seals in Yukihira's care. Finally defeated, Yukihira orders Ranpei's son, Shigezo, to bind the captive. Here, the young boy stares up at his father with a solemn frown, a length of rope in his outstretched hand. The disheveled Ranpei kneels atop a rock wielding a sword in one hand as he grabs a polearm thrust at him by one of Yukihira's retainers. His black outer robe is pushed down to the waist to reveal a red kimono patterned with a large rooster with long tail feathers, worn over a red loincloth trimmed with fringe. Ichikawa Kodanji appears as Ranpei. A striking design with large colorful figures. Includes burnishing on the black robe.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight toning, curling and ink bleeding, a few stains. Please see photos for details.