Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the tale of the outlaw Shirai Gompachi, who was wanted for murder. A gang had been waiting to capture Gompachi for the reward, attacking him as he left his palanquin at Suza-ga-Mori near Edo. While fighting off his attackers, the famous otokodate or street knight Banzui Chobei arrived in his own palanquin. Watching the fight, he was impressed with the young rogue's swordsmanship, and letting him go free, promised they would meet again someday. Here, Gompachi wipes clean the blade of his sword with a white cloth, as his victim falls to the ground before him in front of a stone marker. At right, Chobei holds a light high to examine Gompachi, staring at him with a sober frown. He wears a boldly patterned deep blue and white kimono, a checked robe folded over one shoulder. A great triptych with nice large figures, detailed with soft bokashi shading in the night sky, fine line work in the hair, and touches of burnishing on the edge of the palanquin and the black kimono collars.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous folio mounting. A few small holes, repaired. Very slight soiling, a few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.