Comments - Fantastic illustration from the tale of the pirate Kezori Kuemon. The unfortunate merchant Komatsuya Soshichi, becomes mixed up in one of Kezori's smuggling plots while trying to visit his sweetheart, the courtesan Kojojro. Here, the pirate has just tossed the hapless Soshichi overboard after he accidentally witnessed the robber and his gang smuggling from a barge. Wearing an exotic robe patterned with dragons, Kezori grips the wooden handle of an enormous hatchet with both hands, frowning angrily as he leans over the side of the ship. Soshichi grabs hold of a wooden blank as he bobs in the water, looking back at the pirate in astonishment. Throwing out her hand in alarm, Kojoro scatters a stack of tissues as she recoils in horror, the papers fluttering down toward the seal. A terrific, dramatic composition with an enormous full moon glowing beyond the rocky peninsula at right. Wonderful detail in the undulating waves and the ship, with fine embossing in Kojoro's white kimono trim. A great design from this famous story, which became the subject of many kabuki plays.

Artist - Kuninao II (active circa 1883 - 1887)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A few small holes, repaired, blends well. A few smudges in margins, a few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.