Comment - A kabuki scene about the young girl 'Omiwa' from the play "Imoseyama Onna Teikin", about the "Taika coup d'etat" of 645. The plot centres around love, suicide and palace intrigue. 'Omiwa' is the daughter of a sake shop owner who is in love with 'Tankei', a hero and warrior who is protecting the elderly Emperor. Through intrigue, 'Tankei' marries the princess 'Tachibana'. 'Omiwa', tormented by jealousy is killed so that her blood may be used in a potion to assassinate the tyrant 'Iruka'. Her reward is that she may be united with 'Tankei' in the afterlife. 'Omiwa' is pictured with a kite spool of white cotton that she has attached to 'Tankei' in order to follow him and discover his real identity. The theme of 'Omiwa' is also displayed by Kunichika. Other displays of kite reels may be found at Hokkei, or elsewere at Kunichika on different prints, at Kunisada or at Shuntei.

On the left side is a big sake barrel to be seen. Actor Bando Mitsugoro (坂東三津五郎) plays 'Tankei'. The girl 'Omiwa' on the right panel is played by actor Iwai Hanshirō (or Ichii Hashiro, 岩井半四郎). She throws a kite spool at the beloved 'Tankei'. Omiwa's kimono is over and over decorated with kite spools, for connecting to her loved one.


Series - ~


Artist - see Biography


Signature -  Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画) with his red Otoshidama ring


Publisher - Kagaya Publisher's (加賀屋版) seal, underneath the circular Kiwame seal (極)


Image Size - 50.0 x 35.5cm   (19 11/16" x 13 31/32")


Condition - diptych, two single sheets; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); each panel vertical ôban (ôban tate-e);