Comments - Fantastic kabuki portrait featuring a single large figure against a neutral ground. The haggard-looking woman played by Ichikawa Danjuro stares at a message on a red slip of paper tied to an arrow, gripping a naginata in her other hand. She is dressed as a man, with a tan outer kimono featuring a checkerboard design of floral motifs, worn over an orange and white under robe, both tucked into red and yellow hakama pants with a bold zigzag pattern. Her long hair is pulled back into a low ponytail that trails over her back. Beautifully detailed with fine line work in the hair, soft shading around the eyes, embossing in the white kimono collar, and burnishing in the naginata handle. Traces of mica remain on the tan outer robe as well. A terrific dramatic image.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. A couple small holes, repaired. Some minor tears at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.