Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene featuring a yakko-dako or man kite. Yakko were low-ranking servants or footmen attached to high-ranking samurai. They traditionally wore a coat with a distinctive square crest on it, not associated with any particular family. The yakko shown here has risen into the sky with his outspread sleeves acting as wings. The young man below him holds a spool of white thread, frowning at he looks up. At left, Soga Juro, the elder of the famous Soga Brothers, scowls at the man kite, raising one hand in the air. He wears a black kimono with a beautiful burnished geometric pattern and birds in flight. At right, a beauty smiles eagerly as she watches the kite, cradling a decorative battledore for a New Year's game called hanetsuki in her arms. Plum blossoms frame the sky overhead. A great kite subject with lively color, detailed with faint embossing in the spool of thread, and fine bokashi shading. on the background.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few small repairs, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.