Comments - Interesting depiction of a new play at the Meijiza or Meiji Theater in 1892. A group is gathered in an interior, with two ladies' maids at left watching solemnly as the nobleman Takeda Katsuyori strikes a pose while dancing. He holds a folding fan in one hand as he lifts his sleeve beside his face, watch a samurai at upper right out of the corners of his eyes. Panels lining the back of the room depict a blossoming cherry tree against a red sky. The left panel includes Bando Shucho, while the center panel features Ichiakwa Gonjuro. The right panel includes Ichikawa Sadanji and Ichikawa Yonezo. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the two black court caps and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the fans and armor.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Loss at corner, repaired. Slight ink bleeding, a few small marks. Please see photos for details.