Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the play "Godairiki Koi no Fujime," which tells the story of the samurai Satsuma Gengobei, who falls in love with the geisha Koman. After the evil samurai Sasano Sangobei tricks Koman into writing a letter to him severing their relationship, he kills her, later learning of her innocence and avenging her death. Here, Gengobei sits in an interior, holding Koman's shamisen in his outstretched hand. On the back of it are written the characters for "godairiki," a pledge of fidelity when written by a geisha to her lover. Her glares at the beauty disapprovingly as she clutches the handle of the instrument with both hands, a dismayed expression on her face. He wears an informal striped kimono over a red under robe, a tobacco set on the floor before him. A low table at upper left holds a tray with a meal on it, and the sword stand at right is draped with an octopus, an unusual detail. The actors are Onoe Baiko V as Koman and Sawamura Chojuro V as Gengobei. An intriguing scene with a wonderfully detailed setting, including fan prints pasted on the wall at upper right.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 19 1/2"

Condition - This print excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Vertical fold near left edge of right panel. Slight separation along fold, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.