Comments - Terrific scene from the kabuki play about Yosaburo, the dissolute son of a merchant, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. Dishonored, the scarred young man becomes a petty criminal, assisted by Yasu the Bat, named for the bat-shaped tattoo on his face. Three years later, the pair goes to a home to extort money from a young woman, who turns out to be Otomi. Here the Bat angrily twists the arm of Otomi's brother, trying to get him to pay up. He scowls as he looks down, the tattoo clearly visible on his chin. His frightened victim struggles, an alarmed expression on his face. Otomi kneels beside a brazier at right, her mouth agape in horror as she watches the criminal. Yosaburo stands silently at left, making no move to intervene. A great image of a dramatic moment from this famous tale, with expressive figures and a handsomely detailed interior setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small wormholes, small loss at edge, repaired. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.