Comments - Handsome kabuki scene of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the street knight Sukeroku with two courtesans of the Miuraya, Shiratama at left and his sweetheart, Agemaki, at right. He looks up over his shoulder with a defiant expression, an umbrella in his hand and a shakuhachi flute tucked at his back. Agemaki smiles back at him happily, dressed in a beautiful kimono shaded from blue to yellow with large peonies. Shiratama wears a striking outer robe with a design of a crane in flight above splashing waves and a turtle with long moss growing from its shell, a symbol of longevity. A row of lamps runs along the fence behind them, with blossoming cherry trees framing the night sky. A handsome design, nicely detailed with embossing in the crane's feathers and bokashi shading in the background. Ichikawa Danjuro VIII had died in 1854, so this is an imagined role as a memorial. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, has this image in their collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold at left edge of center and right panels. Thinning spot, a few small holes, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.