Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from the play "Hototogisu Date no Kikigaki," a drama about the succession of the Date clan. The lady-in-waiting Asaoka has been charged with caring for the young heir to the clan. The evil magician Nikki Danjuro has been plotting to poison the boy, and needs to recover an incriminating scroll. He transforms into a rat to sneak into the palace and obtain the scroll. Here, Asaoka and the loyal retainer Matsuzen Tetsunojo watch as the rat scurries up the frame of the image a upper left, the samurai grimacing angrily. The matron holds a softly glowing lamp in one hand. From left, the actors are Nakamura Shikan IV and Sawamura Tossho II. Nice large expressive figures set off by a deep red background.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 19" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight thinning at corners, hole, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, stain at edge. Please see photos for details.