Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play "Go Taiheiki Shiraishi Banashi," a tale bout two sisters who are reunited to avenge the death of their father. Here, the young woman Shinobu has traveled to Edo from her country home in search of her long-lost sister, who has become the beautiful courtesan Miyagino. After arriving at the Daikoku-ya brothel, she meets her sister and tells her the sad news that the samurai Shiga has killed their father, and the pair agree to immediately seek out the murderer. In the center, Shinobu kneels on the floor, looking up with a grin as the woman standing behind her makes a face. At right, Miyagino watches with a smile, a book in one hand and the other resting atop a pipe. Sliding open the shoji panel at right, the Daikoku-ya proprietor Soroku overhears them, scowling at their plan. The room is beautifully nicely with a black lacquer chest of drawers in the center with quilts piled atop it, and a kimono hanging over an elegant black lacquer stand. The actors include Nakamura Tomijiro II as Shinobu, Iwai Kumesaburo III as Miyagino, and Kanya Morita XI as Soroku. A wonderful illustration from this classic drama, beautifully detailed with burnishing in the black obi, chest, and kimono stand.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight separation at ends of vertical centerfolds, loss at top edge, repaired. Slight soiling, faint ink offsetting, very slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.