Comments - Intriguing triptych of a beauty confronting a samurai at the intersection where two bridges meet. She kneels with a sword in hand, tilting her head with a smile, her sleeves tied back with a blue sash. At right, the samurai holds his blade before him with both hands, preparing to block the oncoming blow. He frowns angrily at the young woman, his kimono tucked up at the back for easier movement and a dotted towel wrapped about his neck. At left, another samurai leans forward aggressively, one hand on the hilt of his weapon. Beyond the wooden railings, houses and trees can be seen in dark silhouette along the other side of the river, with a full moon glowing in the night sky. From left, the actors are Nakamura Shikan IV as Nanpo Jujibei, Sawamura Tanosuke III as Dainichi Otake, and Ichikawa Kuzo III as Daigoro. A great scene from the kabuki play "Futatsu Chocho Iro no Dekiaki," also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Small loss and slight thinning along upper left edge of right panels, a few small holes and thinning spots, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.