Kamuro Tayori and Palanquin Bearers, 1840 - Interesting scene from the kabuki play "Go hiiki yakko no konoshita" about two palanquin bearers named Azuma no Yoshiro and Naniwa no Jirosaku and their passenger. The two bearers are intrigued by the identity of their passenger, so during a brief rest stop they coax her out and learn that her name is Tayori, and she is a kamuro or apprentice courtesan. The trio has fun play acting and pretending to visit the pleasure quarters, but eventually the men quarrel. Here, Tayori is caught between the two men, still smiling happily as Jirosaku leans forward aggressively at left. At right, Yoshiro becomes alarmed, a worried expression on his face as he fastens a cloth around his head. From left, the actors are Nakamura Utaemon IV, Bando Shuka I, and Ichimura Uzaemon XII. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels, two backed with stiff paper. A few wormholes and small losses, repaired. Slight soiling, creasing in right panel, a couple stains. Please see photos for details.