Comments - Handsome kabuki double portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Mukokizu no Yosa and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Komori Yasu. Yosa has been reduced to living as a petty criminal after being caught in a tryst with a gang boss's mistress and slashed all over. His partner in crime is the blackmailer Yasu the Bat, so named for the bat tattoo on his face. Here, Yasu demands his share of the money, holding out his hands and grimacing up at Yosa. The scarred young man stares back at him soberly as he takes a gold coin from the paper wrapping in his hand. He wears a finely detailed plaid kimono, and scars are visible on his face and chest. An interesting subject with expressive figures and an interesting border running across the top of the page.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and stains, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.