Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play "Futatsu Chocho Kuruwa Nikki" (A Diary of Two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarters), a drama about two rival sumo wrestlers. The older, more experienced sumo Nuregami Chogoro purposely lost a match to the young Hanaregoma no Chokichi in hopes of earning a favor from his patron. When Chokichi learns the truth, he is outraged. Here, Chogoro stands outside Chokichi's door, holding an umbrella with a contrite expression. At right, Chokichi grimaces at him angrily, wearing a tan kimono patterned with a bird with long tailfeathers. At left, Chokichi's older sister, Oseki watches with worried frown, a lantern hidden behind her back. Behind her, a large stone weighs down the lid of a wooden tub and a straw matt covers at stack of straw-wrapped bales. Nice expressive figures with an interesting setting.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14" x 29 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight separation at ends and thinning along vertical fold at side of two panels, a few holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing, creasing at edges, a few marks. Please see photos for details.