Comments - Interesting depiction of Act 7 of the "Kanadehon Chushingura," the kabuki play based on tale of the 47 ronin. At the Ichiriki Teahouse in Gion, Teraoka Heiemon threatens his sister, the courtesan Okaru, after he finds she has been spying on Yuranosuke to learn about the plans for the vendetta. The main characters appear as puppets in a style of acting known as ningyoburi, which imitates the exaggerated movements of bunraku puppets. A puppeteer dressed in black from head to toe hides behind each figure, giving the appearance of manipulating the performer. At right, a chanter and a musician playing the shamisen sit atop a platform to accompany the drama. The actors include Sawamura Tossho II as Okaru and Bando Hikosaburo IV as Teraoka Heiemon. An intriguing image with wonderful detail in the architectural setting.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 28 3/4" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Loss at edge, a few thinning spots, repaired. Slight soiling, wrinkling, a few spots, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.