Comments - Handsome kabuki illustration from the play commonly known as "Kirare Yosa." It tells the story of the dissolute young Yosaburo, who was captured during a tryst with a gang boss's mistress, Otomi, and slashed all over. After turning to a life of petty crime, the scarred young man is accidentally reunited with his true love, Otomi, while trying to blackmail her with his fellow criminal, Yasu the Bat. He sits at left, looking distractedly away from the beauty, scars visible on his face and body. His partner in crime, Yasu the Bat, so-named for the bat-shaped tattoo on his face, stands in the center, scowling and holding out his hand as he demands money. Otomi looks up with a smile as she kneels next to a kettle on a brazier, a slender pipe in her hand. An interesting design with a nicely detailed interior setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold, diagonal fold. Loss and thinning at edge, a couple holes, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.