Comments - Unusual kabuki scene of the rogue Komkiri Nizaemon drinking sake while three captives bound with rope stare up at him from below. He grimaces with worry as he holds out a red lacquer sake cup for a refill, a young man kneeling at left holding a sake kettle. His other arm is wrapped around the beauty Okei, who hides her chin with her sleeves as she looks up at him out of the corners of her eyes. Circular insets on either side depict two angry-looking men. A large wooden trunk rests on the floor at left, and Nizaemon's sword is stuck into the floor beside a small table. Snowflakes decorate the panels lining the back of the room. The left panel features Nakamura [?] I as Inanoya Jinsuke, Nakayama Ichizo I, and Seki Sanjuro III as Shoki Hanbei. The center panel includes Arashi Kichisaburo III as Kumokiri Nizaemon, while the right panel shows Sawamura Chojuro V as Inanoya Hanbei, Ichikawa Shogoro I as a clerk, and Nakamura Itoemon I as the widow Okan. Interesting expressive figures in a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 27 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning, small smudge at edge. Please see photos for details.