Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of a man sitting atop a wicker chest, holding a large sake cup out in his extended hand. He frowns as he stares across the room at a servant, who reacts with an astonished expression, his mouth agape and hands thrown out at his sides. In the center, a beauty attempts to calm the servant, gesturing at him with her hand as she smiles at the sake drinker. Panels lining the back of the room are decorated with blossoming plum branches with poem slips tied to them. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Shingyoku Tomonosuke, Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Niwakashi Kingyoku, Onoe Kikugoro IV as Odori no Shisho Umegiku, and Bando Hikosaburo V as Niwakashi Ohan. An attractive design with very expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams with some minor remnants from previous backing on reverse. A couple areas of thinning and soiling in subject. A few small holes near edges and at corners, repaired from reverse. Light creasing, fading and fraying along edges. One small loss along left edge of right-hand panel. Please see photos for details. Good overall.