Comments - Dramatic scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Natsu Matsuri." The otokodate or street knight Danshichi Kurobei is fighting off attackers on a tile rooftop. In the center, he kneels atop a guard while pulling another over his shoulder by the arm. At left, a third attacker tumbles through the air, his legs kicking above his head. Behind him, his fellow street knight Tokubei watches with a solemn frown, holding up a heavy string of coins between his hands. At right, the samurai Oshima Sagaemon draws his sword, ready to intervene. Lanterns affixed to bamboo poles frame the scene at bottom right. From left, the principle actors are Kataoka Gado II as Tokubei, Ichikawa Kodanji III as Danshichi Kurobei, and Nakamura ? as Oshima Sagaemon. Great expressive figures in an interesting setting, with fine bokashi shading in the night sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few small losses and slight thinning at edges, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.