Comments - Dramatic scene from the kabuki play "Higashiyama Sakura Soshi" of Asakura Togo outside the enormous wooden gates of a palace, wearing a blue kimono with a brown robe draped around his neck and over his shoulders. A local mayor, Asakura Togo bypassed crooked officials and appealed directly to the shogun for tax relief for his village, knowing that his action would result in the death penalty. Here, Asakura Togo reacts with an alarmed frown as the peasants gathered around him gesture and shout angrily for their pleas to be heard. At upper right, a retainer standing in the open doorway grimaces menacingly at the crowd, while the worried samurai at right waves his hands, trying to calm the men. Some of the peasants wear straw raincoats and hats. The left panel includes unidentified actors as Komasuke, Kyuuzaemon, and Moriemon. The center panel features Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Asakura Togo. The right panel includes the actors Sakata Sajuro II, Arashi Jitohachi III, and Ichikawa Hirogoro V. An intriguing subject with expressive figures and a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 3/4"

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