Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play commonly known as "Ise Ondo," a tale about a valuable but cursed sword that forces its possessor to kill when unsheathed. From left, the roles are the samurai Fukuoka Mitsugi, his sweetheart, the courtesan Okon of the Aburaya, and the Aburaya's cook, Kisuke in conversation in the courtyard of the Aburaya. Mitsugi frowns over his shoulder at the beauty, his brows furrowed as he takes a pipe from a case in his hand. The beauty smiles back at him happily, while at right, Kisuke watches with a puzzled expression, scratching the top of his head. A border of clouds separates the figures from a view of the Aburaya, with silhouettes on the shoji windows of geisha performing the Ise Ondo dance. An attractive design with large expressive figures and an interesting setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight separation along vertical folds at sides, a few holes, repaired. Creasing and slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.