Comments - Great kabuki scene from the tale of Shirai Gonpachi, who is wanted for the murder of his uncle. While pausing during his travels, Gonpachi encounters a gang who is trying to capture him for the reward. Here, he struggles with three ruffians at once as he grips his sword while the men grab him by the leg, waist, and wrist. He has already sent one attacker flying onto a blazing fire at left, the fellow screaming in pain. Other gang members lie bleeding on the ground around him, another collapsed on the base of a stone pillar at left. At right, the famous otokodate Banzui Chobei, who has also stopped for a rest, watches the fight, holding a lantern aloft. Impressed with Gonpachi's swordsmanship, Chobei allows him to go free, promising to meet him again in Edo. A dramatic image with smoke billowing skywards at left beneath a pine tree, and waves crashing against the shore at right. The first time we've seen this Kuniyoshi design.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/2"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small tears at edges, thinning along vertical folds, repaired. Slight rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details.