Comments - Interesting scene from the play "Tabi Suzume Aiyado Banashi," based on the novel "Shank's Mare," which recounts the misadventures of the country bumpkins Kitahachi and Yajirobei as they travel along the Tokaido Road by shank's mare or on foot. Here, they have stopped at an inn for the night. At lower right, Kitahachi sits inside a chest with sliding shoji panels, a checked robe draped over his head and a mallet in one hand to strike the drum in his lap. Below, Yajirobei looks up with a puzzled expression, scratching his head as the pilgrim Wanabei thrusts a hand out at him. Above, the pilgrim's daughter Oao climbs a ladder to an upper room. The actors are Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Kitahachi, Onoe Karyu(?) as Oao, Nakayama Ichizo I as Yajirobei, and Arashi Otohachi III as Wanabei. Nice expressive figures in a well-detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small cut at edge, repaired. Soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.