Comments - Dramatic scene from the popular kabuki play "Sugawara Denju Tenerai Kagami." In this act known as "The Village School," the samurai Matsuomaru must identify the severed head of his own son. The warrior had been ordered by his Lord Shihei to ensure that his former master Sugawara's son, Kan Shusai, was killed at his village school. At the last moment, Matsuomaru and his wife decided to enroll their son Kotaro in the school, in the hopes that Kan Shusai's life might be saved by his substitution, to repay a debt of gratitude to Sugawara. Matsuomaru sits in the center of the schoolroom, grimacing angrily as he stares at his the small severed head of his child, thrust out at him by Shihei's retainer Shundo Genba. With his other hand waves his sword at the school teacher Takebe Genzo, warning him not to reveal the secret. School desks are stacked at upper left, and there is writing on the shoji panels at upper right. From left, the actors are Kataoka Nizaemon VIII, Ichikawa Ebizo V, and Nakamura Fukusuke I. A moving illustration from the most famous act of this play.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 7/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of vertical folds between panels, cut along top edge, repaired. Creasing at side, a few stains. Please see photos for details.