Comments - Rather gory triptych of a crazed-looking woman named Otaki stabbing a man in the back. The wife of the sake merchant Kyushichi, she springs from behind some foliage to attack her victim, who falls forward into the brush as blood spurts from his back. In the center, Kyushichi raises his sword high overhead, ready to assist. At left, Kohachi and wife Oshige watch with horrified expressions in front of a roadside shack covered with straw matting. This is a scene from the play "Katakiuchi uwasa no Furuichi," with Bando Kamezo I as Kohachi, Onoe Kikugoro IV as Kohachi's wife Oshige, Asao Yoroku II as Fukuya Kyushichi, Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Kyushichi's wife Otaki, and an unidentified character. An unusual subject with an atmospheric night setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold near left edge of each panel. Slight separation along fold lines, a few holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, rubbing near edges, a few creases, paper slightly rippled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.