Comments - Striking kabuki scene of a confrontation taking place in the forest at night. In the center, Inada Kozo kneels before a pine tree gripping his sword upright, having just sent an attacker with an axe tumbling head over heels at lower left. A red foxfire dances in the night sky above, a sign of a supernatural occurrence. Oddly, a portrait of a hermit twisting his hands together in what looks like a magical gesture hangs from the tree behind him. At right, another samurai leans forward with an angry frown, raising his sword above his head. At left, a beauty leans forward with a sly grin as she ties a yellow sash around her waist. The head of a man hangs upside-down from the top of the tree trunk. An intriguing image, wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/4"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small repairs and creases. Please see photos for details.