Comments - Fantastic illustration from the popular kabuki play "Sanza Rotaku" showing the two arch enemies Nagoya Sanza and Fuwa Banzaemon encountering each other in the Yoshiwara at night, the woman they are both in love with caught between the pair. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Banzaemon, who appears at right dressed in a black robe with a bold design of swirling clouds and stylized lightning bolts. He stares calmly at his enemy as Sanza eyes him suspiciously at left, wearing a kimono patterned with swallows in flight and driving raindrops. The courtesan Katsuragi smiles as she looks back at Banzaemon, her red obi featuring a fierce yellow dragon. Cherry blossoms and drapery frame the scene overhead, with stacks of buckets filled with water for firefighting on either side. A handsome design with wonderful color and detail.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small thinning spot, repaired. Small mark. Please see photos for details. Nice condition overall.