Comments - Handsome illustration from the popular kabuki play "Mukashigatari inazuma zoshi" showing the two arch enemies Nagoya Sansaburo and Fuwa Banzaemon encountering each other in the Yoshiwara at night. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sansaburo was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Banzaemon, who appears at left dressed in a checked kimono with motifs of swirling clouds and stylized red lightning bolts. He grips his sword with both hands, ready to fight. At right, Sansaburo crouches slightly with his blade drawn, ready to leap into action, wearing a robe patterned with swallows in flight and driving raindrops. Sansaburo's loyal maid, Okuni, stands between them, trying to calm both men, her hands extended in alarm. A garden fence encloses blossoming cherry trees behind them. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Fuwa Banzaemon, Bando Shuka I as Okuni, and Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Nagoya Sansaburo. Nice expressive figures with an attractive setting, detailed with soft shading in the evening sky.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 29"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal and vertical folds. Small losses, tears, and slight thinning at edges, a few holes, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edges, a few marks. Please see photos for details.