Background
The play is a fanciful adaptation based on the tales of the Genpei wars (1156-1185), the pivotal struggle between the Minamoto (Genji) and Taira (Heike) clans. Kumagai, one of kabuki's most celebrated roles, was a general serving under the legendary Minamoto no Yoshitsune who had to face in battle a youth of only 15 named Atsumori, son of a Taira general. As it happened, Kumagai owed a debt of gratitude to Atsumori's mother, for she had saved Kumagai and his wife from execution 17 years earlier. Having no other way to honor his debt, Kumagai substitutes and sacrifices his own son for Atsumori. This shocking turn of events only delays the inevitable, however, and finally Kumagai must slay Atsumori. Distraught at the loss of his son and his failure to save Atsumori, Kumagai renounces his allegiance to the Minamoto and takes the vows of a Buddhist priest.
Design
This design was produced by the celebrated block-cutter Kasuke and is one of the notable portraits from the later period of Hokushû's career. It was issued for what was supposed to be Utaemon's farewell performance in 1825 (he did not, however, retire). To mark the occasion, the print is inscribed with Isse ichidai atari kyôgen "Once in a lifetime hit performance").
デラックス大判（35.5 x 24.3 cm）
摺り、色極良。保存状態良。（金属摺り、浮き彫り、左側と下側少々トリミング。右上端に補修済み虫穴。扇子の上端と口の右に少々汚れあり。）
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