Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of the fisherman Fukashichi, who is actually the samurai Kanawa Goro Imakuni in disguise, confronting the lady-in-waiting Omiwa at the palace of her master, Soga no Iruka. He is planning to kill the beauty to use her blood in a complicated plot to assassinate his enemy, Iruka, who was born by supernatural means. Here, Fukashichi frowns unhappily as he looks to the side, wearing a boldly patterned coat over a rust colored shirt and armor trimmed with fringe. He has stepped on the end of Omiwa's obi, preventing her from escaping. The beauty stares back at him with a strange grin, gripping her hair with one hand while throwing the other hand out at her side. At left, large chrysanthemums, peonies, and maple leaves decorate the wall, while a blind hangs at right. From left, the actors are Kataoka Nizaemon VIII and Nakamura Fukusuke I. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 19 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. A couple repairs, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.