Comments - Dramatic scene from the kabuki play "Nazo no Obi Chotto Tokubei" of the beauty Okaji confronting the brothel owner Tokubei in a driving rain. She leans forward with a rather crazed expression, her eyes wide, thrusting a lantern on a pole at the man. Okaji's father has been murdered, and Tokubei grips the dead man's sleeve between his teeth. He glares at her furiously as he tucks up his robe behind his back, his feet spread firmly apart. Oddly, a tiny figure of a fox or dog dressed in robes and a court cap appears above his shoulder. From left, the actors are Iwai Hanshiro V as Okaji and Bando Mitsugoro III as Tokubei. A great design with lively expressive figures and wonderful detail in the clothing, including embossing in the crests on the sleeve.

Artist - Toyokuni (1769 - 1825)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 18 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few losses along vertical fold near edge of right panel, a few small holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.