Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Sanza Rotaku" showing the two arch enemies, Nagoya Sanza and Fuwa Banzaemon, encountering each other in the Yoshiwara at night. The pair meets when they walk past each other and their scabbards brush. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Banzaemon, who appears at right dressed in a black robe with a bold design of swirling clouds and red lightning bolts. He scowls angrily at his enemy, clutching his hat under his arm. Lifting his hat for a better look, Sanza glares back at him. He wears a kimono patterned with swallows in flight and driving raindrops. The maid Okuni stands between the men, watching Sanza with a worried expression. Blossoming cherry branches in dark silhouette frame the night sky above. Bando Hikosaburo V plays Fuwa Banzaemon. A terrific image from this famous tale, with large colorful figures.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A couple small losses and thinning spots at edges, repaired. Slight soiling, wrinkling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.