Comments - Terrific illustration from the popular kabuki play "Sukeroku" showing the young street knight, Sukeroku, who is actually one of the Soga Brothers in disguise, confronting the elderly samurai Ikyu. The elder wears an impressive red kimono patterned with dragon, his long white hair flowing over his shoulders. The street knight wears a simple black kimono over a red under robe, a purple sash tied rakishly around his forehead. He grips his sword upright as he glares at Ikyu. The object of the dispute is the lovely courtesan Agemaki, with whom both are in love. She stands at left watching solemnly, a roll of tissues in her hand. Her red kimono features colorful blossoms, tied with a black obi with a design of a waterwheel. The teahouses of the Yoshiwara stretch out behind the figures under a glowing full moon, the deep blue sky framed by cherry blossoms. From left, the actors are Bando Kakitsu as the white sake seller Shimbei, Ichikawa Danjuro as Sukeroku, Nakamura Shikan as Ikyu, Nakamura Fukusuke as Shiratama, and Suketakaya Takasuke as Agemaki. A handsome design with lively color and fine embossed detailed in the white hair and beard, plus burnishing in Sukeroku's black kimono.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900) and Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, attached at the seams, backed with paper. Faint offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.