The Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Taira no Tomomori

One of the most famous plays in the kabuki repertoire is Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees (Yoshitsune sembon zakura). Originally written for the puppet theater, the play liberally rearranges history in its account of the tragic rivalry between the Taira and Minamoto warrior families in the late twelfth century. In the play, after the defeat of the Taira forces in the Battle of Dannoura (1185), Taira no Tomomori (1151-1185), who committed suicide in the historic battle, lives on and disguises himself as his own ghost to attack Yoshitsune's ship. He is stopped by the power of the Buddhist monk, Benkei, a loyal follower of Yoshitsune. Utaemon wears the blue makeup that is customary for ghost roles. With arrows piercing his armor, he makes his final stand. The fine composition and printing in this image gives it a high artistic quality and finesse.