Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the play "Mimasu Dokko Hakata no Uchikake" about the pirate Kezori Kuemon and the unfortunate merchant Komatsuya Soshichi, who becomes mixed up in one of Kezori's smuggling plots. Here, Kezori grips an enormous hatchet decorated with red flames as he threatens Soshichi, who has accidentally witness the gang smuggling from another ship. Kezori dances about on one foot, dressed in an exotic robe patterned with dragons, his curly hair pulled back into a pony tail with the shorter hair on top forming a bushy halo above his face. Soshichi's sweetheart, the courtesan Hakata Kojoro, recoils at right, hiding behind her kimono sleeve. The deck of the ship is piled high with stolen goods, including bolts of silk, wicker chests, and a pot containing a large piece of precious coral. From left, the actors are Ichimura Uzaemon XII, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, and Bando Shuka I. A wonderful design, beautifully detailed and colored.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 3/8"

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