Comments - Handsome triptych illustrating a scene from a play "Kurotegumi Kuruwa no Tatehiki" about the otokodate or street knight, Sukeroku. Here, his enemy, the fencing master Shinzaemon Torii, attempts to humiliate him by thrusting a wooden geta clog suspended from his sword at him. Frowning angrily, Sukeroku manages to control himself, glaring up at Torii. At left, the beautiful courtesan Agemaki watches with a sober expression, pulling up the edges of her kimono. Her robe features images relating to the play "Shakkyo" about a lion dancer, including peonies, a lion dancer's flowing white wig topped with a peony on a fan, and a stone bridge. From left, the actors are Sawamura Gennosuke IV as Agemaki of the Miura-ya, Ichikawa Sadanji I as Sukeroku, and Ichikawa Gonjuro I as Shinzaemon Torii. Nice large figures with expressive faces. Includes embossing on the white wig.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight thinning at edge, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases, faint stain at edge. Please see photos for details.