Comments - Interesting kabuki scene of a beauty appearing before a magistrate. She looks up with a frown, the loose hair around her face giving her a disheveled appearance. At upper right, the judge looks down at her with a stern expression as he looks through the notes on his desk. He wears the latest Western attire, including a vest and bow tie, and his hair is cut short in the latest Meiji fashion. The drama is a "Zangirimono" or "Cropped Hair Play," a genre which depicted contemporary Meiji characters in real-life dramas involving ordinary people. It takes its name from the close-cropped hairstyle adopted by men during the Meiji era. The large figures are nicely set off by a deep red background. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro (inset), Otani Monzo, Bando Kakitsu, Onoe Kikugoro, Nakamura Sojuro, and Onoe Umegoro. Includes burnishing on the black jackets and the beauty's black collar.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 3/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few wormholes, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling, vertical folds. Please see photos for details.