Comments - Fantastic kabuki scene from the play "Futatsu Chocho Kuruwa Nikki" (A Diary of Two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarters), a drama about two rival sumo wrestlers. The older, more experienced sumo Nuregami Chogoro purposely lost a match to the young Hanaregoma no Chokichi in hopes of earning a favor from his patron. When Chokichi learns the truth, he is outraged. At left, Chokichi pushes against a straw-wrapped bundle resting on his enemy's shoulder, grimacing with rage. Chogoro glares back at him with a tight-lipped frown, raising his arm above his head. He wears a red kimono patterned with feathers and trimmed with a furry black collar, a white cloth tied around his neck. A bold design a striking composition, the large figures filling the page. From left, the actors are The first time we've seen this great subject.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 26 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panel. A few holes and thinning spots, repaired. Creasing, a few marks, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for detail.