Comments - Handsome kabuki scene of Segawa Kikunojo V as the courtesan Sakuraya no Koman in the play commonly known as "Godairiki." The beauty is so in love with the samurai Satsuma Gengobei that she has written the words "godairiki" on the back of her shamisen, a pledge of fidelity to her lover. Here she smiles coyly as she hands over the shamisen by the handle, the brush still in her other hand. She wears a softly shaded kimono shaded bordered with delicate butterflies and grasses. Her sweetheart scowls back at her, however, as the evil samurai Sasano Sangobei has altered the characters to look like a pledge to himself, and unaware of the trick, Gengobei will angrily kill Koman later on. The black lacquer case of the shamisen rests on the floor behind the beauty, lined with an embossed, tie-dyed pink fabric. At left, two men eavesdrop outside the door, the fellow carrying a lantern grimacing as he listens. Segawa Kikunojo V plays Koman. An attractive design, nicely detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 30 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.