Comments - Dramatic scene from the play commonly known as "Natsu Matsuri" of two otokodate or street knights fighting. At left, Issun Tokubei lifts his sword to block a blow from his enemy, Danshichi Kurobei. Tokubei frowns unhappily as he crouches down. At right, Danshichi grips his sword with both hands, grimacing, his brows furrowed with concentration. Both men wear informal summer cotton kimono with bold blue and white patterns. At left, Tsuribune no Sabu watches angrily, but makes no move to intervene, his arms folded firmly across his chest. He wears a brown checked kimono and has a dotted towel wrapped about his neck against the night air. The circular inset at right features the smiling beauty Okaji, the wife of Kurobei. From left, the actors are Morita Kan'ya XI as Tsuribune no Sabu, Kataoka Gado II as Issun Tokubei, Iwai Kumesaburo III as Danshichi's wife Okaji, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Danshichi Kurobei. A handsome design with large, expressive figures, detailed with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the night sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 20"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seam. A few small holes and tears along edges, repaired from reverse. A few areas of minor rubbing and soiling throughout with faint ink offsetting in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.