Comments - Interesting scene from the kabuki play "Nanomi yaoya ryori no futsutsuka" at the Nakamura Theater of Nakamura Fukusuke I as Yaoya (greengrocer) Hanbei performing "ningyoburi," a style of acting imitating the exaggerated motions of puppets. He strikes a stilted pose, one foot off the ground and his head tilted upwards, a puppeteer dressed head-to-toe in black behind him. His striped coat has slipped off one shoulder, and his thinning hair is pulled back into a slender topknot. Dressed from head to toe in black with a veil over his face, the puppeteer also lifts one foot. Buildings line the street behind him, with a full moon glowing in the softly shaded night sky. From left, the actors are Nakamura Gantaro I and Nakamura Fukusuke. A handsome depiction of this unusual kind of kabuki performance.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Small loss and thinning at corners, repaired. Stains at edge. Please see photos for details.