Masaemon's Wife, Otani, Kneeling in the Snow, 1859

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Masaemon's Wife, Otani, Kneeling in the Snow, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Masaemon's Wife, Otani, Kneeling in the Snow, 1859

Comments - Interesting scene from one of the many kabuki plays based on the Igagoe Revenge. The samurai Matagoro has enlisted the help of the master swordsman Karaki Masaemon to hunt down and kill his father's murderer. To protect his wife, Otani, during the vendetta, Masaemon has divorced her, but she continues to follow him in the hopes of being reunited. Here, Otani appears outside Masaemon's door, shivering with cold as she kneels in the snow. She wears a patchwork kimono and a straw mat as a raincoat, a frightened expression on her face as she eavesdrop. Inside, Masaemon takes hold of the scabbard of Wada Shizu's sword, staring up at him with an angry frown. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro IV, Onoe Baiko, and Kataoka Nizaemon VIII. Nice expressive figures in a well-detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 19 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few repairs, slight creasing and soiling, fold across corner. Please see photos for details.

Masaemon's Wife, Otani, Kneeling in the Snow, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Masaemon's Wife, Otani, Kneeling in the Snow, 1859 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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