Comments - Terrific kabuki triptych from the play "Yayoi no hana iroha no honsetsu" showing the 47 ronin confronting Lord Moronao during the night attack on his palace. He sits in the center, flinging his arms out at his sides under the watchful eyes of the assembled warriors, each wearing the ronin's trademark black and white dogtooth bordered robe. At right, Oboshi Yuranosuke leans forward with a grim frown, offering him the dirk with which Lord Hangan committed suicide so that he, too, can commit suicide honorably, but the coward refuses. Yuranosuke's son, Oboshi, kneels at left, his mouth agape as he watches. The actors include Azuma Itchinojo I as Oboshi Rikiya, Morita Kanya XI (Bando Mitsugoro IV) as Moronao, and Bando Hikosaburo IV as Oboshi Yuranosuke. A handsome design with expressive figures.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached the seams. Light soiling and spotting in subject with a few small holes repaired from reverse. Faint toning along bottom edge with one vertical crease in center panel. Slight fading along edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.