Comments - Terrific kabuki scene from the play Gonin Otoko Ikiji no Tateire at the Nakamura Theater of a confrontation taking place outside a house. In the center, the barefoot Tsuribune no Sabu angrily blocks the way of the commoner Danshichi Kurobei, preventing him from entering the house. Danshichi reacts with surprise at the attack, furrowing his brows with a worried expression. Inside the house, the wives of both men smile and chat happily, unaware of the conflict just outside their door. Casks of straw-wrapped sake are stacked along the street, each marked with the large Toshidama seal of the Utagawa school of ukiyo-e artists, to which Toyokuni III belonged. From left, the actors are Kataoka Gado II as Issun Tokubei, Morita Kan'ya XI, Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Iwai Kumesaburo III as Tokubei's wife Otatsu, and Azuma Ichinojo I as Sabu's wife Otsugi. An intriguing subject with expressive figures and an interesting setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 30 1/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical folds. A few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details.