Comments - Fantastic, complete five-panel kabuki print featuring actors as the famous "Gonin Otoko," five otokodate or street knights who were ostensibly chivalrous commoners but were actually a gang of thieves. They appear lounging on benches outside a shop or restaurant, wearing matching kimono shaded from plum to white, bordered with a variety of motifs including lobsters, feathered shuttlecocks, stylized flowers, and diamonds. The man in the center seems to be trying to explain himself, leaning forward as he speaks and gesturing with his hand. One man glowers back at him, while another frowns worriedly, and the youngest rogue at right grins happily. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Gokuin Sen'emon, Ichikawa Kuzo II as An no Heibei, Arashi Rikan III as Hotei Ichiemon, Ichikawa Ebizo V as Kaminari Shokuro, and Iwai Kumesaburo III as Karigane Bunshichi. A great design with attractive color and a nicely detailed setting. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 49 3/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail and shown. Five attached panels, backed with paper. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, a few stains, slight rubbing at edges, slight curling. Please note: due to the size this print may be shipped folded or rolled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.