Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene from the play "Gonin otokoikiji no hana kurabe," a tale about five otokodate or street knights. Here, the beauty Otaka encounters the rogue Rai Shokuro and a young boy at a rustic shrine in the country. The boy wears a headdress topped with three candles and has a mirror hung around his neck and a small ax at his side, in preparation for a making a magical incantation. He smiles and gestures with his finger as he chats with the woman. Shokuro scowls at her unhappily, clutching a straw mat around him as a coat. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikujiro II, Bando Takesaburo I, and Ichikawa Danjuro VIII. A large pine tree frames night sky, and a sign board is posted at right. Wonderful detail and a nice atmospheric setting in this interesting subject.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 20 1/4" x 14 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two separate panels. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Some light soiling. Please see photos for details.