Comments - Interesting kabuki double portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Takebe Genzo and another actor as the beauty Tonami in the famous play "Sugawara Denju Tenerai Kagami." A student of the calligrapher Kan Shojo, Genzo was banned from the household after beginning a love affair with their employee, Tonami, whom he later marries. He later returns to his master and earns the right to be his successor. He looks down with a rather unhappy frown, the sleeve of his black floral kimono tied back with a narrow green sash. Tonami looks up with a sly grin, clutching the collar of her robe. Her hair is pulled back into a smooth knot, simply adorned with a comb and a few hairpins. Nice expressive faces with fine line work in the hair and soft shading in the dark night sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical center fold, vertical fold near left edge. Slight soiling and creasing, faint stain near bottom edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.