Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of a middle-aged ashigaru or foot soldier, the lowest rank of samurai, inside a home along the waterfront, preparing to commit suicide. The distraught man bares his chest as he grips the blade of a sword wrapped in cloth, ready to plunge it into his belly. Just outside the door, the samurai Inaba Jirokichi hands a drawstring bag of money to two kneeling pilgrims. The man reaches out to take the sack as the beauty clasps her hands together in prayer, smiling happily. Each wears a white pilgrim's vest and a string of prayer slips about the neck. The pilgrims are played by Bando Hikosaburo as Shinsuke and Nakamura Kamenojo as Omoto. An intriguing subject with expressive figures and a handsomely detailed setting, including fine shading in the water and darkening sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 29 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Slight soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.