Comments - Handsome triptych depicting two scenes from the kabuki play commonly known as "The Higashiyama Storybook." At left, Kiuchi Sogo is shown leaving his family during a snowstorm. A local mayor, he decided to petition the shogun directly for tax relief for his town, bypassing the crooked governor Hotta Masanobu, knowing that he will face execution if he commits this illegal act. Torn between duty and love for his family, he finally leaves them, looking back over his shoulder with a frown as he grips a bamboo pole, his straw raincoat and hat covered with snow. At right, his wife and children are confronted by man looking for Sogo. His wife holds their baby in her outstretched hands, while their middle son cries behind her back, wiping his eyes with his hand. At right the eldest son attempts to wrestle away the man's sword. A great design with large expressive figures and vibrant color. Includes burnishing in the black kimono collar.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams and lightly toned throughout. A few small pinpoint holes along edges and corners, repaired from reverse. Areas of spotting and soiling in subject and near edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.