Comments - Attractive kabuki scene of the courtesan Chitose entertaining two guests in an elegant interior. She smile happily as she looks at the man at left, who scowls angrily, a pipe in his hand. Her outer kimono is shaded from blue to pink and decorated with tie-dyed blue clouds and circular motifs, worn over a lighter blue robe and red under robe. The fellow at right looks up with a stern expression, his arms folded across his chest and his hands tucked inside his sleeves. A kusudama floral ornament with ribbons hangs on the folding screen behind him, and a purple kimono with pink cherry blossoms is draped over a lacquer stand at left. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro V, Iwai Hanshiro VIII, and Ichikawa Danjuro IX. A handsome design with wonderful detail in the setting, including burnishing in the black lacquer chest, mica on the beauty's kimono, and embossing in the white kimono collar.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Tear and thinning at edge, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.