45. Hazy-night moon (Oboroyo no tsuki)

A masked Noh actor performs the role of the robber Kumasaka no Chohan - a scarf tied round his head and carrying a long pike - who was killed in 1174 when his band unwisely attacked the young Minamoto no Yoshitsune at Akasaka. There is no moon visible in the print, and the title reminds us of the scene in which Kumasaka argues: "The moon does not rise till dawn tonight; and even when she rises, she will be covered." This version was printed 6 January 1887. The insert shows a more common (later?) version with a dark blue background.