Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene from the play "Shigure Gumo Murai no Yabure Gasa" of the thief Murai Choan stealing a man's drawstring purse at the foot of a wooden bridge. The robber raises his sword high above his head as he pulls on the bag, while his victim grabs hold of the strings to prevent him from taking it. The courtesan Izayoi raises her sleeve in fright, watching the rogue with a worried expression. At right, Kaisaka no Chuzo looks on with a scowl, sheltering a lantern beneath his kimono. A notice board behind him is filled with signs, and a willow tree frames the dark night sky while a full moon glows softly. From left, the actors are Nakamura Fukusuke IV as the courtesan Chojiya Izayoi, Bando Kakitsu Ias the farmer Jube, Ichikawa Danjuru IX as Murai Choan, and Nakamura Shikan as Kaisaka no Chuzo. A great design with large colorful figures and touches of burnishing.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

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