Comments - Wonderful kabuki scene of actors as travelers seeking shelter from the rain under the spreading branches of a tree. The design is loosely based on a similar genre scene by the artist Hanabusa Itcho, who died in 1724. Two religious pilgrims crouch at left, a string of prayer slips tied around their necks. Behind them a man peers out from underneath a lion dance costume. In the center a monkey trainer squats with his animal perched on his back. A musician stands behind him resting a shamisen over his shoulder as a samurai in a black robe runs up from the right. Three of the actors are Otani Hiroemon V, Matsumoto Kinsho I, Iwai Kumesaburo III. A fantastic look at the various classes of old Edo brought together for a moment during a rainstorm. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels attached at the seams. Backed with old paper. Some light toning at edges. Folded near seams for storage. A couple creases in subject, some separation and loss at seams repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.