Comments - Great image from the famous kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura" of the michiyuki or journey of Okaru and Kampei after leaving the castle in Act 3. Lord Hangan's retainer Kampei arrived too late to restrain his master from quarreling with Lord Moronao. Ashamed at spending time with his lover Okaru instead of fulfilling his duty, the pair decides to escape to her family's country home. Here, they pause in the countryside, the beauty lifting up her woven hat with a surprised expression. She wears a beautiful black kimono patterned with flowers and flowing yellow lines. Kampei looks up suspiciously, holding the handles of his swords. His robe is tucked up for traveling, and he wears a white cloth around his head against the cool night air. At right, a man watches them with a sad frown, sheltering a lantern beneath the sleeve of his coat. He stands next to a grain stack, and a willow tree behind him frames a view of the fields stretching out across the plain below. Onoe Baiko IV plays Okaru. A handsome scene, nicely detailed with burnishing in the black kimono and fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold near left edge of each panel. Slight separation at ends of folds, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.