Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the dance drama "Utsubo Zaru," which takes place at Narutaki Hachiman Shrine. A female lord encounters a monkey trainer, and asks him to sell her his monkey so that she can use the skin to make a quiver. When the trainer refuses, she threatens to kill the monkey, aiming an arrow at it. The trainer sadly agrees to part with his pet, and when he begins singing a farewell song to the animal, the monkey starts slowly dancing about. The woman is so moved by the performance that she spares the monkey's life. Here, she watches with a rather surprised expression as the trainer dances about, hopping on one foot as the monkey peers around his back. A yakko or footman waits at left next to the pillar of a torii gate, and a blossoming plum tree frames the night sky. Ichikawa Kuzo II plays the footman and Ichikawa Danzo VI appears as the beauty. An interesting design, nicely detailed. The red pigment on the torii gate and fence has oxidized to a darker tone.
Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Image Size - 14" x 29 " + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few wormholes and small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, whitish spots, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
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