Comments - Interesting kabuki portrait of Bando Muraemon I as the comically inept samurai Sagisaka Bannai in Act 3 of the "Kanadehon Chushingura," the drama based on the tale of the 47 ronin. Lord Moronao's retainer Bannai attempts to stop the samurai Hayano Kampei and his sweetheart, Okaru, as they leave the palace by the rear gate. Bannai flings one arm out at his side with a worried expression, holding his sword up in his other hand. His kimono hangs open at the chest, and his thinning hair is pulled into a ponytail at the back of his head. Behind him, pine trees grow on a grassy slope beneath the evening sky. An expressive figure.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Diagonal folds. Thinning at corners, a couple small losses, repaired. Wrinkling, creasing, slight toning and soiling, a few spots. Please see photos for details.