Comments - Great kabuki triptych featuring actors as Otsu-e characters. Otsu-e were traditional folk paintings sold to travelers during the Edo era in Otsu on Lake Biwa near Kyoto. They featured easily recognizable figures. At right, the young falconer has a falcon perched on his gloved hand. In the center, Nakamura Shikan appears as Benkei holding a temple bell above his head. Just below him, an actor plays a horned oni or demon dressed in priest's robes. At lower left, Kawarazaku Gonjuro appears as Soga Goro holding an enormous arrow. Above him Sawamura Tanosuke plays the Wisteria Maiden, wearing a burnished black lacquer traveling hat and holding a wisteria branch over her shoulder. The figure at upper left is the Thunder God Raijin. A fascinating design with expressive figures and wonderful detail.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 27 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss and slight thinning at corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.