Comments - Terrific kabuki triptych illustrating one of the many plays based on the true story of Yaoya Oshichi, a 17th century teenager who sought refuge in a temple after a fire. While there, she fell in love with a monk, and in order to see him again, she set a fire that ended up destroying a large part of Edo. In this scene, she clings to the ladder of a fire tower, looking back over her shoulder at Dozaemon Denkichi, a drum stick in her hand to sound the alarm. With a tight-lipped frown, he thrusts a red paper lantern high, a traditional pilgrim's staff in his other hand, staring at her with a frown. At left, a young man and a matron watch her with eager expressions. Suketakaya Takasuke appears as Oshichi and Ichikawa Kodanji plays Denkichi. A great dramatic image from this historic tale, with large figures set off by a deep red background and beautiful burnished detail on the fire tower, the black obi, and the black kimono collars.

Artist - Yaoya Oshichi, 1882

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small losses and holes, repaired. Slight toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.