Comment - Kabuki scene with actor Ichikawa Sadanji I (市川左團次, pink cassette) as Oniyasha (鬼夜叉, yellowish cassette). The actor leans forward with a worried expression, holding his hands out in a stopping motion. He has a dark beard and wears a mustache. He has curly hair at the sides of his head and longer hair pulled back into a thick ponytail.

A large Edo kite ("Edo-tako", "江戸凧") can be seen behind him. The blue Edo kite contains a white kanji character ("Kanji kite", "ji tako", "字凧"). Pine tree twigs frame the view of the ocean beyond with a dramatic red sky.

This panel is supposedly a part of a larger ensemble. You may compare a similar scene with Kunisada-III's 'Women with Kite' or Chikanobu's 'Tametomo, Drawing his Sword", both prints with actor Ichikawa Sadanji I (市川左團次) in his role as 'Oniyasha' (鬼夜叉). 'Oniyasha' is a demon god that appears in ancient Indian mythology. 'Oniyasha' is also named Yakusha. the character was later incorporated into Buddhism and became one of the deities of Gohozenkami. It is generally said to be a general term for demon gods, and is used as a metaphor for "evil human beings''.

The cassette center left shows the date MeiJi 21 (1888-02-01, 明治二十一年二月一日), the printshop and it's address in Tokiyo.


Series ~


Artist -


Signature - none specified


Publisher - large red seal, center left (not identified)


Image Size -  35.6 X 23.5cm  (14" x 9 1/4") + margins as shown


Condition - single panel, maybe part of a triptych; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); vertical ôban (ôban tate-e); expressive figure  with vibrant colour,