Comments - Terrific scene from the kabuki play "Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi" at the Kabukiza or Kabuki Theater in Tokyo, which tells the story of Yosaburo, the dishonored son of a merchant, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. The scarred young man becomes a petty criminal, assisted by Yasu the Bat, named for the bat-shaped tattoo on his face. Here, Yosaburo is unexpectedly reunited with his sweetheart during a blackmail attempt. He wears a blue plaid kimono, scars visible on his face, chest, arms, and legs. The beauty Otomi watches him with a distraught expression, her hand resting atop a slender pipe as a puzzled Yasu looks on, scratching his head. From left, the actors are Onoe Matsusuke IV, Onoe Kikugoro V, Onoe Eizaburo V, and Kataoka Ichizo III as Izutsuya Tazaemon. Nice expressive figures in a handsomely detailed interior setting, with fine line work in the hair and burnishing on the black obi and kimono collars.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal and diagonal folds. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, repaired, Creasing, a few marks. Please see photos for details.