Comments - Fantastic triptych of a kaomise, literally "face-showing," an important ceremony celebrating the start of a new theatrical year and a new theater troupe. Generally held in November, kaomise performances included actors in a variety of strong roles in full costume. In the center, a young man stands atop an enormous butterfly, reading from a magic scroll. Below him at right, two men clash swords. In the left panel, Mashiba Hisayoshi, dressed as a religious pilgrim in a white vest, raises his water dipper to catch the knife thrown at him by the thief Ishikawa Goemon in the play "Gosan no Kiri." To the left of him, a beauty floats on a spray of water, looking over her shoulder with a sad expression. The figures are arranged in front of a temple entrance gate with guardian figures on either side of an enormous red paper lantern. A striking design and a great subject for a kabuki enthusiast.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, attached at the seams. A few small holes, slight separation along folds between panels, repaired, blends well. Creasing, slight soiling, slight paper remnants and offsetting in top margin. Please see photos for details. Good overall.