Comments - Great kabuki scene illustrating Act 7 from the famous play "Kanadehon Chushingura." Yuranosuke has just discovered the courtesan Okaru spying on him at the Ichiriki Teahouse while he read a secret message about the vendetta. He frowns angrily at right, holding a folding fan, offering to buy out Okaru's contract. At left, her brother Heiemon realizes that Yuranosuke intends to kill Okaru to keep the plan secret, so he asks Okaru to allow him to kill her himself, to save their family's honor, and she agrees. Here, Heiemon prepares to draw his sword, ready to wield it against his sister as she turns away from him, throwing her hand out in alarm. At this, Yuranosuke is convinced of their loyalty and stops them. The red background features a pattern of Yuranosuke's inverted commas crest, bordered with the dogtooth design associate with the ronin. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Sadanji I, Iwai Hanshiro VIII, and Kawarazaki Sansho I. A handsome design with large colorful figures and a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

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