Gengobei Eavesdropping on a Courtesan, 1856 - Terrific kabuki scene of Kataoka Nizaemon VIII and Iwai Kumesaburo III in the roles of the samurai Gengobei and his mistress, the courtesan Koman, from the play known as "Koman Gengobei." Gengobei is actually Fuwa Kazuemon, one of the famous 47 ronin in disguise. He has spent all of his money on the beauty Koman, and owes the ronin 100 gold pieces. Luckily, an uncle came to his rescue with a loan to repay the debt, but Koman and her husband tricked him out of the money. He stands outside her home, arms firmly crossed as he eavesdrops on the beauty, learning how he has been duped. The woman sits beside a lamp, writing a long letter, smiling happily. A black lacquer tray on the floor holds a writing set, and curtains softly shaded from rose to violet hang overhead, beautifully detailed with an embossed pattern. The play ends in tragedy when Gengobei, furious at having been cheated, ends up killing Koman and her family, then goes insane, carrying her decapitated head around with him as if it were alive. The final blow comes when he learns that Koman and her husband were also in disguise, planning to give the money to Fuwa Kazuemon (Gengobei) to repay his debt. An intriguing kabuki subject, the calm scene belying the violence to come.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Most prints have a few small holes or thinning spots, a few have losses at corners, repaired, blends well. Soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details.