Nakamura Shikan IV as Denbei, 1863 - Handsome kabuki portrait of Nakamura Shikan IV as Denbei, a samurai who serves the Genji clan. He is in love with the beauty Oshun, but is unaware of her loyalty to the Heike Princess Sono-no-mae. When Denbei received orders to kill Sono-no-mae, Oshun breaks off their affair to protect Sono-no-mae. In a complicated plot, Oshun is beheaded by another samurai in Sono-no-mae's place, and Denbei accepts her head as that of the princess. In order to keep the substitution secret, he then kills himself. Here, he looks down with a sober frown his brows slightly furrowed as he rests one hand atop the hilt of his sword. He wears an intricately patterned kimono over a red under robe, a blue and white towel draped over one shoulder. Crests in different colors dot the background, and the title cartouche takes the form of an open book.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. A few small repairs, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.