Sworn Enemies Meeting, 1851

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Sworn Enemies Meeting, 1851 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Sworn Enemies Meeting, 1851

Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Date kurabe uwasa no sayaate." Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, the samurai Nagoya Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Fuwa Banzaemon, who appears at right. Here, Sanza discovers that his enemy Banzaemon is a patron of his wife, Katsuragi, who has sold herself to a brothel to fund Sanza's search for the missing scroll. Katsuragi leans forward at left with a worried expression, her eyes wide as she clutches the collars of her robe. At left, Banzaemon gestures angrily at the courtesan with his pipe, dressed in an elegant matching coat and kimono patterned with blossoms and tiny gourds. Sanza stands between them, his hands spread wide in alarm, grimacing angrily at his wife. The scroll behind him depicts a deer beneath a maple tree, a reference to Buddha's first sermon, which was given in a deer park. The wall panels lining the room depict a rushing river with blossoming trees along the shore. From left, the actors are Onoe Baiko IV as Katsuragi, Sawamura Chojuro V as Nagoya Sanza Motoharu, and Ichikawa Ebizo V as Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu. A handsome design with beautiful detail in the clothing and interior setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few small holes, repaired with backing. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Sworn Enemies Meeting, 1851 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Sworn Enemies Meeting, 1851 by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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