Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.

Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Incredible Sharaku double portrait from the kabuki play "Katakiuchi Noriai Banashi." Nakamura Konozo portrays the boatman Kanagawaya no Gon, and Nakajima Wadaemon appears as Bodara no Chozaemon. The boatman has just delivered his customer to a brothel, and he carries a small wooden chest, used to hold the belongings of passengers. The pair presents a marvelous contrast, with the short, heavy, pug-nosed boatman next to the taller, thinner, more angular man, who appears anxious and distraught next to his stolid companion. Fine shimmering mica background. A real masterpiece, considered the finest of Sharaku's double portraits.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15 1/8" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight crease and two small paper remnants at upper right edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.