Female Bandit and Ninja, 1851

Comments - Fantastic scene from the kabuki play "Shinpan koshi no shiranami," performed at Ichimura Theater in 1851. Bando Shuka I appears at left as the magician Jiraiya, in reality the ghost of the female bandit Kishin Omatsu, surrounded by her gang of ninja. She clutches a small infant to her chest, smiling as she looks over her shoulder. She wears a beautiful black outer kimono patterned with pine sprigs and falling rain as she dances about on one foot. The ninja are dressed from head to toe in black, one carrying a lantern, and another armed with a large saw. At right, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII appears as the samurai Natsune Shirosaburo, holding onto the edge of a low folding screen. An incredible subject with fine expressive faces. Image Size - 14" x 19 7/8" Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. One wormhole and a few small holes, repaired, blends well. Soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.