Comments - Terrific scene from the kabuki play "Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi," which tells the story of Yosaburo, the dishonored son of a merchant, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. The scarred young man becomes a petty criminal, assisted by Yasu the Bat, named for the bat-shaped tattoo on his face. Here, Yosaburo is unexpectedly reunited with his sweetheart during a blackmail attempt. He wears a simple blue and white plaid kimono, scars visible on his face, chest, arms, and legs. The beauty Otomi watches him quietly, her hand resting atop a slender pipe as Yasu looks on with a puzzled expression, scratching his head. The actors are Onoe Matsusuke IV as Yasu, Onoe Kikugoro V as Yosaburo, Onoe Eizaburo V as Otomi, and Kataoka Ichizo III as Izutsuya Tazaemon. Nice expressive figures in a handsomely detailed interior setting, with fine line work in the hair and burnishing in the black obi and kimono collars.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 27 1/8" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Partially backed with old paper. Please see photos for details. Good overall.