Comments - Terrific illustration from the kabuki play "Kokusen'ya Gassen," the story of the warrior Watonai traveling to China to help restore the Ming Dynasty. The scene shows the angry Watonai waving a flaming torch over a rushing waterfall, examining the water for either white pigment signaling success for his plan, or red pigment indicating failure. However, instead of red pigment, the red comes from the blood of his half-sister, the beauty Kinshojo, which she pours from a dish on the balcony at left. Her husband, the bearded General Kanki, scowls from the verandah at far left, refusing to join forces with Watonai in his quest. From left, the actors are Bando Hikosaburo V, Sawamura Tanosuke III, and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I. A handsome composition with wonderful detail in setting and the exotic robes worn by the couple. A fantastic image from this popular play. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.
Artist - Kunihisa II (1832 - 1891)
Image Size - 13 5/8" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight soiling. Some holes, repaired. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
