Palanquin Bearers and Kamuro, 1873

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Palanquin Bearers and Kamuro, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Palanquin Bearers and Kamuro, 1873

Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from the play "Modorikago Iro ni Aikata" 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. She strikes a pose in the center, playfully tilting her head up at Yoshiro. She wears a red kimono patterned with chrysanthemums, her hair topped with cluster of blue leaves and metal strips of fringe. Yoshiro appears bored, holding a pipe and frowning as he rests his chin on his hand. At left, Jirosaku scowls angrily at his fellow bearer. Unbeknownst to each other, Jirosaku is actually the thief Ishikawa Goemon, and Yoshiro is really the General Hisayoshi, and the two men are sworn enemies. From left, the actors are Nakamura Shikan IV, Sawamura Tossho II, and Bando Hikosaburo V. Large expressive figures with lively color, set off by a deep blue background, and detailed with embossing in the white kimono trim and burnishing in the black areas of Jirosaku's kimono.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 3/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edges, a few light creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Palanquin Bearers and Kamuro, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Palanquin Bearers and Kamuro, 1873 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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