Comments - Fantastic kabuki triptych depicting a procession of firemen, with two men performing aerial acrobatic stunts atop high bamboo ladders. The men wear heavy quilted coats over matching kimono in a blue and gray brick pattern with red across the shoulders. Several carry fringed company standards called matoi while others hold small axes on long-handled poles. Fire was a serious risk in 19th century Japan, where the tightly packed wooden houses were prone to burn, and firemen were highly respected. Here, two beauties pause to watch the firemen balancing on the ladders with Mt. Fuji rising in the distance, and a tall fire tower framing the scene at right. A terrific design with fine detailing in the stitching on the robes and burnishing on the beauty's black kimono collar and the black undergarments of the men. A wonderful image with lively color and large expressive figures.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.