Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene from the play "Tamakushige Akebono Soga" at the Nakamura Theater of a nighttime confrontation taking place next to a stone memorial. The samurai Shirai Gonpachi at right strikes the side of the beauty Yaeume's neck with his sheathed sword as she kneels on the ground, cowering behind her plaid kimono sleeve. The otokodate or street knight Hokke Chobei stands beside her holding a lantern in his outstretched hand as a disheveled young man turns away from him, blocking the light with his sleeve. Sasano Gonza wears a simple blue robe tied with a rope, loose hair framing his worried face. From left, the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I, Sawamura Tanosuke III, Seki Sanjuro III, and Bando Hikosaburo V. A fantastic image with carefully drawn figures and an atmospheric night setting. Handsome wood grain impression in the background.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning area, a few holes, repaired. Slight creasing. Please see photos for details.