Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play "Chiyo no Haru Tosa-e no Saya-ate," a tale about the samurai Nagoya Sanza who was banished by his clan after a valuable scroll in his care was stolen by the evil Fuwa Banzaemon. The pair accidentally meet in the Yoshiwara one night. Here, Tsuruya Denzo tries to intervene, stepping atop a black robe over both their blades. At left, Sanza looks up at Tsuruya with a frown, angry that he is preventing him from attacking his enemy. His kimono features a pattern of swallow in rain. At right, Banzaemon likewise grimaces at Tsuruya, wearing a matching coat and kimono with a design of lightning bolts and yellow clouds. A low fence behind them enclosed yellow flowering shrubs and a blossoming cherry tree. From left, the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I, Bando Kamezo I, and Nakamura Shikan IV. A handsome design with an attractive setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29" + top image as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. A few repairs, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.