Comments - Handsome triptych depicting kabuki characters from the play commonly known as "Kirare Yosa." It tells the story of the young musician Yosaburo, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. He turns to a life of petty crime, assisting the blackmailer Yasu the Bat. Three years later, the scarred young man recognizes his true love, Otomi, when the pair attempts to blackmail her. Yosaburo stands in the center, frowning angrily, scars marking his face, chest, and arms. Yasu the Bat, so-named for the bat tattoo on his face, watches with rage at left, unhappy that his plans have been spoiled. At right, Otomi looks down with a sweet smile, lost in thought, while Tazaemon, who is actually her brother, scowls as he stands beside her. Ichikawa Danjuro IX plays Yosaburo, and the three concentric rice measure crest used by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors appears in red behind him, adding a bold graphic accent. Nicely detailed with large expressive figures, fine line work in the blue plaid kimono, burnishing in Otomi's black collar and obi, and allover cloth embossing in the background.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning spot, repaired. Slight soiling, a few light creases at edges, small rubbed spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.