Comments - Great illustration from a popular kabuki play showing the two arch enemies Nagoya Sanza and Fuwa Banzaemon encountering each other in the Yoshiwara at night, with the maid Okuni caught between them. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Banzaemon, who appears at right dressed in a black robe with a bold design of swirling clouds and red lightning bolts. At left, Sanza frowns as he looks up, wearing a blue kimono patterned with swallows in flight and driving raindrops. A maid holding a lantern is caught between the tea men. The teahouses behind them extend into the distance, framed by a blossoming cherry trees set against a dramatic red sky. A terrific image from this famous tale, beautifully colored and detailed with burnishing on the black robe, the black obi, and the black collar.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.