Comments - Handsome illustration from the kabuki play commonly known as "Godairiki" (The Five Great Powers that Secure Love), the story of the samurai Satsuma Gengobei, who falls in love with the geisha Koman. Koman had written on the back of her shamisen the characters for "godairiki," a pledge of fidelity when written by a geisha to her lover. Unbeknownst to her, the evil samurai Sasano Sangobei, who has been spurned by Koman, has altered the writing to look like a pledge of love to him. At left, Gengobei looks over shoulder with an angry frown as a commoner in the center holds up the shamisen, displaying the writing. Koman looks down shyly with a sweet smile, unaware of the change that has been made. At right Sangobei grimaces at the beauty as he sits on the verandah of an upper story. Curtains patterned with delicate flowers and leaves hang across the back of the room, with a pine tree framing a round window at lower right. An interesting scene from this popular drama.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 30 1/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds between panels. A few repairs and stains, creasing. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.