Ichikawa Ichizo III as Jurobei and Onoe Kikujiro II as Oyumi, 1857

Ichikawa Ichizo III as Jurobei and Onoe Kikujiro II as Oyumi, 1857 - Poignant kabuki image from the tale of Oyumi and Jurobei. Oyumi and her husband, the samurai Jurobei, had left their infant daughter in her grandparent's care while Jurobei attempted to recover a lost sword for his master, joining a gang of thieves to have access to places where the blade might be hidden. One day, Oyumi met a young girl who was on a pilgrimage to find her parents, and to her surprise, discovered she was her long-lost daughter. Sadly, she cannot reveal her true identity, wanting to protect the child from her husband's criminal activities. Here Oyumi stands outside the door, smiling eagerly and carrying a sandal. Jurobei waits inside, placing his hand over the girl's mouth to keep her quiet. The child wears a red pilgrim's vest over her kimono, and has a string of votive plaques around her neck. The actors are Onoe Kikujiro II as Oyumi and Ichikawa Ichizo III as Jurobei. A moving scene with a nicely detailed setting.

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Wormhole at edge, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, slight creasing at edges. Please see photos for details.