Comments - Attractive kabuki scene from the play commonly known as "Modori Kago," about two palanquin bearers named Azuma no Yoshiro and Naniwa no Jirosaku and their customer. During a brief rest stop, the two bearers are intrigued by the identity of their passenger, so they coax her out and learn that her name is Tayori, and she is a kamuro or apprentice courtesan. The group has fun play acting and pretending to visit the pleasure quarters. In the center, Tayori dances about, grinning wildly as she holds a sandal in one hand. Her kimono is patterned with irises and cherry blossoms, trimmed with ribbons at the sleeves, and clusters of tiny blue flowers adorn her hair. Jirosaku strikes a bold pose at right, carrying a wooden rod and staring angrily at his fellow bearer. At left, Yoshiro frowns back at him as he adjusts the white cloth tied over his head. Cherry blossoms frame the blue sky overhead. Seki Sanjuro II plays Yoshiro and Nakamura Shikan appears as Jirosaku. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, a few wormholes, thinning at edges, repaired. Staining along sides, soiling, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.