Comments - Terrific kakemono or vertical diptych featuring a scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Gosan no Kiri." Here, the famous thief Ishikawa Goemon stands on the verandah of the lower gate at Nazenji Temple, one foot perched atop the railing as he clutches a white cloth in his hand. It bears a last message written in blood to Goemon from his real father, who was forced to commit suicide, and whom Goemon never knew. At this moment he realizes that he must avenge his father's death. Below, his wife Oritsu, who is making a religious pilgrimage, stands beside a water basin with a dipper in one hand and a folding fan in the other, smiling as she looks up. She wears a white pilgrim's vest over a dark blue chrysanthemum print kimono, and has a string of prayer slips around her neck. A fantastic design, detailed with a bold burnished pattern on Goemon's black kimono. A great image from this famous drama, in an unusual vertical format.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 28 7/8" x 9 3/4" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.