Comments - Handsome kabuki print depicting the "Sushiya" scene from the classic play "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura." At left, the Genji commander Kajiwara Kagetoki has come to a sushi shop in search of the Koremori, a Heike warrior, who has been hiding there. The son of the sushi shop owner, Igami no Gonta, has given him a sushi tub in which a severed head has been hidden, which his father Yazaemon is hoping to pass off as that of Koremori. After inspecting the head, Kagetoki confirms it as that of Koremori and gives Gonta a fine brocade robe. After her leaves, Gonta unfolds the robe and a priest's robe that has been folded within it falls out, a hint from Kagetoki that he knows the head was not Koremori's, and suggesting the Gonta would be safer for him to become a priest. Here, Kagetoki stares at Gonta with a stern frown, wearing a voluminous brown robe with a crest of arrow fletches over a brown brocade robe, and a tall black court cap. Gonta scowls back at him, cradling the robe in his arms. His sister, Osato, looks somewhat puzzled in the center, holding her hand to her face. She wears a brown and yellow plaid kimono tied with a black obi. The curtains of the shop run across the top of the scene. A handsome design from this beloved drama, with nicely detailed, expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. One tiny wormhole, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.