Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Imayo Mochizuki," which tells the story of the widow Shiragiku and her young son, Hanawaka. They have been traveling Japan trying to find Mochizuki Saemon Akinaga, the man who murdered her husband. At an inn, they learn from the proprietor, Ozawa Tomofusa, that Mochizuki is staying there that night, offering them the opportunity for revenge. The proprietor entertains Mochizuki with wine, and performs a lion dance, wearing a red wig, the hair flowing out wildly around his head. After Mochizuka Akinaga falls asleep from the wine, Tomofusa helps young Hanawaka avenge his father's death. Here, Mochikzuki stands at right wearing formal robes and a tall court cap, holding out a message marked "sanbo" on an offering tray. He watches the dancer with a worried expression, while at left, Hanawaka beats a hand drum. A small platform is covered with cloud print fabric, with large flowering peonies on either side. The actors include Nakamura Utaemon IV as Tomofusa and Ichikawa Kuzo II as Mochizuki. An interesting design with expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 29 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning and small holes at edges, pinholes in two top corners, repaired. A few creases, paper slightly curled, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.