Comments - Incredible kabuki scene of the young Ushiwakamaru fighting the robber Kumasaka Chohan and his gang of thieves at the inn of the Aohaka post station. The youthful warrior fearlessly leaps through the air at left, clashing blades with a gang member as he knocks another to the ground. With his other hand, he has just tossed his folding fan at Chohan's face, and the brigand ducks, using his naginata to deflect the blow. At right, another samurai faces the swords of two rogues on the ground, raising his weapon over his head with both hands as he prepares to strike. The bearded thief at lower right wears a furry black vest over a patterned shirt and pants. Behind the figures, buildings and pine trees are silhouetted in dark gray against the night sky. The actors include Nakamura Fukusuke I as Kumasaka Chohan and Iwai Kumesaburo III as Onzoshi Ushiwakamaru. A lively image with expressive figures and an atmospheric setting, nicely detailed and shaded.
Artist - Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Image Size - 14" x 29 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Good detail. Thinning and a small losses along vertical folds, a few holes, repaired. Rubbing and wrinkling along folds.
