Comments - Intriguing kabuki triptych from the drama commonly known as "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, a tale about samurai triples who become the victims of divided loyalties. At left, Umeomaru faces his brother Matsuomaru, who now serves the evil Lord Shihei, an enemy of the triplet's sponsor, Sugawara no Michizane. Mostly interestingly, each figure includes flaps featuring different actors in the same role. Few prints were made using this technique, which is known as "shikake" (loose flap), and it's especially rare to find them with all the flaps intact. The left figure has five flaps plus the underlying print for a total of six actors, while the right figure has three flaps plus the underlying print for a total of four actors. Please see detail of all the flaps below. A fascinating design and an interesting choice for a kabuki collector.

Artist - Chikashige (active circa 1869 - 1882)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 26 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, Vertical folds. Losses and slight thinning at edges, repaired. Creasing and wrinkling, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.