Comments - Terrific kabuki illustration from the popular kabuki play "Sukeroku" showing the young street knight, Sukeroku, who is actually one of the Soga Brothers in disguise, confronted by the elderly samurai Ikyu. The object of the dispute is the lovely courtesan Agemaki, with whom both are in love. She stands between the men attempting to keep the peace, her obi featuring a dramatic design of a carp leaping up a waterfall. Ikyu glares at the young rogue as he starts to draw his sword, his white hair and beard flowing over his robe. Sukeroku stares in the other direction as he pushes up his sleeves, a purple sash tied rakishly around his forehead. The actors in the first two panels are Bando Kakitsu as Shirozake Uri, Ichikawa Danjuro as Sukeroku, and Suketakaya Takasuke as Agemaki. Great embossed detail in the old man's white hair and beard, with touches of burnishing the black robes.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 27 1/8" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some light soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.