Comments - Fantastic illustration from the popular 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. 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 robe with a bold design of swirling clouds and red lightning bolts. Sanza stands before him, eying him suspiciously as he draws back his sword with both hands, wearing a kimono shaded from violet to blue and patterned with swallows flying in a rainstorm. The maid Okuni watches at left. Flames flicker in the lanterns lining the low garden fence enclosing flowering shrubs and blossoming cherry trees. A handsome image from this famous tale, beautifully detailed and colored.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 3/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.