Comments - Interesting illustration of the "Sugi Sakaya" scene of the kabuki play "Imoseyama Onna Teikin." From left, the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Motome, Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Netaro, and Iwai Kumesaburo III as Omiwa. The daughter of the proprietor of the Sugi Sakaya sake shop, Omiwa is in love with Motome. She asks the shop apprentice, Netaro, to bring him to her. At left, Netaro tries to drag a reluctant Motome through the doorway. Inside, the beauty kneels beside a shrine, removing a ground cherry from a stick, smiling dreamily as she looks down. On the altar, spools of red and white thread symbolize the firm pledge of love between the young couple. Nice expressive figures in a handsomely detailed setting, which includes curtains patterned with butterflies in the interior doorway.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 20 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels. Small loss, a few holes, repaired. Diagonal fold in left panel, a few creases, rubbing at corner. Please see photos for details.