Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of two men fighting with swords in a garden. The fellow in the center hops on one foot to avoid a blow from his enemy, who kneels on the ground swinging his sword. In the center, a beauty holds a naginata, looking over her shoulder at a group of women at upper left who rush toward her with a lantern. At right, the loyal maid Ohatsu avenges the death of her mistress, Onoe, by stabbing the senior lady-in-waiting Iwafuji to death. Ohatsu grabs the older woman around the waist, thrusting a sword into her chest as Iwafuji grimaces with rage. Several other beauties in the garden watch the action but make no effort to intervene. Blossoming cherry trees frame a view of the water beyond, and at upper right, geisha can be seen in silhouette on the shoji panels of a building. The actors include Sawamura Chojuro V as Iwafuji and Bando Shuka I as Ohatsu. A lively and unusual scene.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few holes and thinning spots, repaired. Creasing, a few stains. Please see photos for details.