Comments - Handsome kabuki illustration from the play commonly known as "Kirare Yosa." It tells the story of the young musician Yosaburo, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. After turning to a life of petty crime, the scarred young man is eventually reunited with his true love, Otomi, while trying to blackmail her with his fellow criminal, Yasu the Bat. At right, Otomi clasps her hands together with joy at the discovery, smiling to herself. Her brother, Tazaemon frowns sternly at the pair of rogues. Yosaburo looks up at him with a frown, scars visible on his face and chest, while Yasu the Bat, grimaces angrily while cradling a paper full of money in his hand. Nice large figures with wonderfully expressive faces and finely detailed hair, set against a dark night sky.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 28 1/2" x 14 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some light spotting in subject. Slightly toned. Please see photos for details. Good overall.