Comments - Interesting triptych divided into three sections to present images from three different plays. At left, Nakamura Jusaburo appears as Yaoya Oshichi, the daughter of a greengrocer who started at fire in the hopes of being reunited with a monk with whom she had fallen in love. The scene depicts "ningyoburi," a style of acting imitating the exaggerated motions of puppets. Two shadowy assistants with veils over their faces act as puppeteers, giving the illusion of manipulating the performer. The center image depicts the lovers Tokijiro and Urazato, played by Sawamura Tanosuke and Sawamura Tossho respectively. At right, Sawamura Tossho plays Sanshichiro Yoshitaka, scowling angrily as he holds his horse's halter, a sword in his other hand. He wears a black kimono with a beautiful burnished geometric pattern. A handsome design with large colorful figures with additional burnishing on the Oshichi's black collar and Urazato's black obi, and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the hilt of Tokijiro's sword and the tan trim of Urazato's obi.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. A few small losses, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.