Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of men struggling with an elderly woman from the premiere of the play "Higashiyama Sakura Zoshi," commonly known as "Sakura Giminden." At left, the gray-haired Shinonome clutches a sword wrapped in cloth to her chest as she holds a coat over her shoulders, a haggard expression on her face. At right, the samurai Nikki Kiyonosuke has torn off her kimono sleeve, holding it in his outstretched hand he scowls angrily, kneeling atop the yakko or low-ranking servant Sumahei. Wooden panels run across the background with a large, gaping black hole at lower right, and a bucket of water resting atop a black lacquer chest at left. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Bando Hikosaburo IV as Kiyonosuke, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV again as Sumahei. Nice expressive figures. Includes a dusting of mica across the top of the right panel.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14" x 19 3/4" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight separation at ends and small loss along vertical fold at side of right panel, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases and marks. Please see photos for details.