Comments - Handsome scene from a kabuki play based on the true story of the sixteen-year-old beauty Yaoya Oshichi. In 1681 Oshichi sought shelter in a temple after a fire and fell in love with the priest there. The next year she set fire to her own home in a desperate bid to see him again. The resulting massive fire burned a large section of Edo, and she was arrested and burned alive for her crime. Here, the fireman Dozaemon Denkichi stands before a fire tower with his lantern in hand as they search for the beauty. He wears a short jacket over a boldly patterned kimono and grips a shakujou staff in his other hand. The servant Osugi kneels at his feet, waving her hands in alarm. The actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Denkichi and Onoe Kikugoro IV as Osugi. A handsome composition, beautifully colored.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 13 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A few faint spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.