Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Atarikuji Manzei Soga" featuring an encounter between a courtesan, a street knight, and a samurai. In the center, the street knight Sukeroku thrusts a sandal at his sweetheart, the courtesan Miuraya Agemaki, scowling at her, while at the same time restraining the samurai Torii Shinzaemon from using his sword. Sukeroku wears a striking black robe patterned with large rectangular designs of flower, including morning glories and peonies, and what looks like a top. The samurai frowns unhappily, his matching coat and kimono patterned with flowers and grasses along a garden fence and small white skulls on the shoulders. Agemaki smiles happily, seemingly unaware of any problems with the men. From left, the actors are Iwai Shijaku II, Bando Hikosaburo V, and Otani Tomoemon V. A fascinating scene with great interaction between the figures and lovely detail in the fabrics, including handsome embossing on the white cord on the samurai's coat.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A couple small marks on faces, light vertical lines from backing paper. Please see photos for details.