September Play at the Kabukiza, 1899 - Interesting illustration from the play "Sarayashiki: at the Kabukiza or Kabuki Theater in Tokyo, a tale about the murder of the beauty Otsuta. The daimyo Isobe Kazunosuke fell in love with the beauty, making her his mistress even though she was a commoner. One of Isobe's retainers, Tenzo, falsely accused Otsuta of having an affair with another samurai, and in a fit of rage, Kazunosuke killed her. Here, her brother, the fish seller Sogoro, has been drinking after learning of his sister's death. Emboldened with drink, he charges into the daimyo's palace seeking an apology. Here, he looks up with an angry frown as he swings a small bucket in one hand while tucking up the back of his kimono with the other. He has a dotted sash tied around his forehead, with loose hairs giving him a disheveled appearance. Otsuta appears in the inset at upper right. From left, the actors are Onoe Kikugoro and Nakamura Fukusuke. A bold design with the large figure dominating the composition.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight soiling, ink bleeding. Please see photos for details.