Comments - Interesting kabuki scene from the play "Jiraiya goketsu monogatari" featuring the young thief and magician Jiraiya disguised as the otokodate or street knight Samezaya. He stands at left looking back over his shoulder with a slight frown as he holds a baby to his chest beneath his striped kimono. The fellow at right grips a sword upright with both hands, grimacing angrily as he glares at Jiraiya. The fellow in the center reacts with a worried frown as he pushes up the sleeve of his red tie-dyed under robe. His kimono features a large butterfly pattern. A gray border of clouds separates the figures from a landscape with people strolling about and children playing. At top center, a woman in a striped vest flings a bamboo mat into the air, children dancing excitedly around her. At right, a monkey trainer watches from beneath a tree, his animal perched on his back. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Arashi Rikan III as Chobei, and Ichikawa Ebizo V. A handsome design with large figures, nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair and bokashi shading in the background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 5/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical folds at sides. Large loss at edge, a few small losses at edges and holes, repaired. Creasing, rubbing. Please see photos for details.