Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Nagoya Sanza," a tale about the samurai Nagoya Sanza, who was banished by his clan after a precious scroll in his care was stolen by the evil Fuwa Banzaemon. At right, Sanza looks up from the long letter he is reading, scowling angrily as he looks over his shoulder at his wife, the courtesan Katsuragi. She wears a striking violet kimono patterned with a crane, pine, and blossoming cherry branches, tied with a black obi featuring a dragon. In the center, the maid Okuni takes a hairpin from her hair as she looks up, while at man at left scratches his head in a puzzled manner. A large wooden tub hangs from ropes above Sanza, while the walls behind him are missing plaster, a sign of his impoverishment. From left, the actors are Nakamura Tsuruzo, Iwai Matsunosuke, Nakamura Fukusuke, and Kataoka Gado. The first time we've offered this Chikanobu design. Includes burnishing on the black collar and obi in the center.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight toning. Please see photos for details.