Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play "Hanano homare chikai no tamada suki," a true story about Tamiya Botaro. As a young boy, Tamiya Botaro's father was murdered by a fencing master named Gentazaeomon, who sent Botaro to a temple where he intended to kill him. Botaro's nurse, Otsuji, knew of the plot but was unable to stop it. She prayed for many days for Botaro's life, eventually killing herself, asking that her life be taken to spare Botaro's. At the moment of her death, her prayer was granted and Botaro was released. Botaro killed Gentazaeomon, avenging his father. Here, Otsuji kneels at left, having just done penance under the rushing waterfall behind her. At top center, Botaro hops on one foot as he grips a wooden practice sword. Beside him, a matron, a samurai, and a priest regard the nurse with concerned expressions. On the ground below, two men practice martial arts. The left panel shows Sawamura Chojuro V. The center panel includes Onoe Baiko IV, and the right panel features Bando Mitsugoro IV and Ichikawa Kuzo II. An interesting illustration from this popular tale, with expressive figures and a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical centerfold in two panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.