Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Futatsu Chocho Kuruwa Nikki" (A Diary of Two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarters), a drama about two rival sumo wrestlers. At right, the sumo wrestler Nuregami Chogoro chats with Yamasaki Yagoro outside a tea stand, who holds out his hand in a stopping gesture. Chogoro looks up with a worried frown, a fan in one hand and a black robe draped over his shoulder. At left, Yagoro's sweetheart, the courtesan Azuma of the Fujiya, watches the men with a smile. She wears a black floral kimono over a red under robe, tied with a brown obi featuring phoenix motifs. Shelves behind her holds rows of blue and white cups, and red paper lanterns and curtains decorated with cherry blossoms hang over head. From left, the actors are Iwai Kumesaburo III, Ichikawa Saruzoi, and Ichikawa Danjuro VIII. Nice expressive figures in an interesting setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 3/4"

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 couple holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, a couple stains. Please see photos for details.