The Spirit of the Cherry Tree - Charming small format print depicting a scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Seki no To." The barrier guard, Sekibei, attempts to chop down a cherry tree while drunk, believing that it had supernatural powers. Just as he is about the strike, the beautiful courtesan Sumizome appears from within the tree. She is actually the spirit of the cherry tree, come to do battle with Sekibei. He glares up at her as he grips the rustic wooden handle of his axe, grimacing angrily. The beauty grins at him as she raises a cherry branch above her head to use it as a magical weapon. Nice expressive figures, detailed with embossing on the white robe and a burnished pattern on the black vest.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 6 7/8" x 4 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. A couple holes, a couple small losses at edges, repaired. Toning, slight soiling, a couple creases. Please see photos for details.