Comments - Terrific kabuki scene of the famous fight between the warrior monk Musashibo Benkei and the young Ushiwaramaru (the future Minamoto no Yoshitsune) at Gojo Bridge. At right, Ushiwakamaru leaps in the air, dodging a blow from Benkei's huge naginata. The youth grips his sword with one hand, a folding fan in the other as he eyes his foe with slightly worried expression. Benkei rests on one knee, wearing a black monk's robe over his suit of armor, an arsenal of weapons at his back. The left panel depicts a commoner looking up at the Thunder God Raijin emerging from storm clouds, who dangles a hook from a rope in front of the seated man. The actors include Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Benkei and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Ushiwaramaru. A bold design, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 28 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Large loss at edge, a couple smaller losses, repaired. Slight rubbing at edge, a few creases. Please see photos for details.