Comments - Bold kabuki print depicting three kabuki characters. At right, Sanbaso sticks out his tongue as he looks ahead in an unusual frontal portrait. He wears the traditional black cap of a sanbaso dancer, and holds a folding fan decorated with pine, plum, and bamboo in his hand. Sanbaso is a traditional ceremonial dance in both Noh and kabuki theater. At left, an inset in the shape of a bird features a grinning Kenbutsu Saemon, who has a drum dangling from a cord tied to the sword over his shoulder. The diamond shaped inset below has a portrait of Kano Fukusuke, a character associated with good luck, typically depicted with a large head and hair pulled back into a topknot. A bold geometric pattern scattered with shogi game pieces creates a striking setting for the large colorful figures. A terrific and unusual image.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 19 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Small loss at corner, a few wormholes, repaired. A few creases and stains, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.