Comments - Great illustration from a popular kabuki play showing the two arch enemies Nagoya Sanza and Fuwa Banzaemon accidentally encountering each other in the Yoshiwara at night, with a with the maid Okuni caught between them. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Banzaemon, shown at left. Most unusually, each of the men is dressed as a komuso or wandering monk, wearing a black monk's mantle and holding up a large basket hat. Typical images of this subject show the men dressed as samurai. In the center, Okuni smiles happily, unaware of the conflict between the two men. She carries a branch over her shoulder decorated with gold coins, poem slips, and lucky objects for the New Year celebration, including a sake cup, a large die, and a magic hat that makes the wearer invisible. A stone torii gate stands behind them, with the teahouses flanking the street disappearing into the distance, their windows glowing with light. From left, the actors are Nakamura Shikan IV, Sawamura Tanosuke III, and Sawamura Tossho II. An interesting subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss at edge, a few small holes, repaired. Soiling, slight toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.