Comments - Interesting scene from the kabuki play "Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba," a tale about a valuable but cursed sword that forces its possessor to kill when unsheathed. In this scene, the retainer Fukuoka Mitsugi preparing to leave the Aburaya geisha after being rejected by his sweetheart, the lovely courtesan Okon. Unaware that he is carrying the cursed sword, he tucks it into his obi, frowning unhappily at Okon, who grins back at him cheerfully. At left, the Aburaya cook Kisuke holds out his coat for him to put on. From left, the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Kisuke, Bando Hikosaburo V as Fukuoka Mitsugi, and Sawamura Tanosuke III as Aburaya Okon. Expressive figures in a nicely detailed interior setting.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Small tear and loss at edge, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges, ink mark at edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.