Comments - Dramatic kabuki scene of the murdered and robber Shirai Gonpachi using a knife to escape from a palanquin covered in netting. He emerges from the palanquin with his sword in hand, holding another sword wrapped in brocade cloth as he glares at the man at right. The fellow stares back at him with a rather glum frown, a plaid robe draped over his shoulder. At left, a beauty grins as she hides behind her raised sleeve. She wears a blue violet kimono shaded to orange with a pattern of white blossoms, trimmed with a red tie-dyed print. The scene takes place at the executions grounds of Suzu-ga-Mori outside Edo. A stone marker with writing on it can be seen at right, and pine trees frame the night sky. An intriguing design with expressive figures and fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss and slight thinning at edge, repaired. A few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.