Comments - Handsome kabuki double portrait of the master swordsman Karaki Masaemon and his wife Otani in one of the many plays based on the Igagoe Revenge. The samurai Matagoro has enlisted the help of Masaemon to hunt down and kill his father's murderer. To protect his wife during the vendetta, Masaemon has divorced her, but she continues to follow him in the hopes of being reunited. Here, Otani appears outside Masaemon's door, kneeling in the falling snow as she clutches their baby to her chest. She wears a patchwork kimono and a straw mat as a raincoat, smiling wildly. Masaemon frowns unhappily as he looks over his shoulder. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro IV and Kataoka Nizaemon VIII. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Vertical fold at side. Please see photos for details.