Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of men struggling with an elderly woman from the premiere of the play "Higashiyama Sakura Zoshi," commonly known as "Sakura Giminden." At left, the gray-haired Shinonome clutches a sword wrapped in cloth to her chest as she holds a coat over her shoulders, a haggard expression on her face. At right, the samurai Nikki Kiyonosuke has torn off her kimono sleeve, holding it in his outstretched hand he scowls angrily, kneeling atop the yakko or low-ranking servant Sumabei. Wooden panels run across the background with a large, gaping black hole at far right, and a bucket of water rests atop a black lacquer chest at left. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Bando Hikosaburo IV, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV again as Sumabei. Nice expressive figures. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 19 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.