Comments - Handsome kabuki triptych depicting the "Village School" scene from the popular play "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami." The samurai Matsuomaru had been ordered by his Lord Shihei to ensure that his former master Sugawara's son, Kan Shusai, was killed at his village school. Instead, Matsuomaro allowed his own son, Totaro, to be killed in place of Kan Shusai to repay a debt of gratitude to Sugawara. Matsuomaru stands in the doorway of the school at left, a terrible frown on his face. In the center, his wife Chiyo has opened Totaro's desk to find the boy's white death robe and a banner reading "Lord Have Mercy upon Me." She holds it up, smiling as she realizes that her son knew he would be sacrificed and went willingly and honorably to his death. The schoolteacher Takabe Genz, who has realized the substitution, waits at right with a sword, ready to attack the couple if they give the change away. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Onoe Kikugoro IV, and Bando Kamezo I. A poignant scene with expressive figures and a handsomely detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 29 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. Slight soiling, a few creases and small spots, very slight rubbing at edges, numbers in top margin. Please see photos for details. Good overall.