Comments - Unusual kabuki triptych depicting a scene from the classic kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura" along with the chanters and shamisen players at the side of the stage. In Act 7, the leader of the ronin, Yuranosuke, discovers the courtesan Okaru spying on him at the Ichiriki Teahouse. Yuranosuke decides to kill her to keep the vendetta secret. Okaru's brother, Teraoka Heiemon, witnesses the confrontation between the pair, and offers to kill Okaru himself to save the family's honor. At left, Heiemon raises his sword above the beauty as she throws out he hands in alarm, her tissues flying through the air. The accompanists sit on a platform at right, wearing matching kamishimo patterned with purple irises over blue kimono, two chanting and two playing music. From left, the actors are Bando Hikosaburo V as Teraoka Heiemon, Sawamura Tossho II as Okaru, Ichimura Kakitsu IV as the chanter Tachibana, Bando Mitsugoro VI as the chanter Katsumi, Ichikawa Shinsha I as the shamisen player Kaede, and Onoe Eijiro II as the shamisen player Meihua. An intriguing treatment of this classic subject.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

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