Comments - Interesting kabuki portrait of Sawamura Tanosuke III as the young Shirai Gonpachi, who is wanted for the murder of his uncle. After stopping at Suzu-ga-Mori while traveling one night, Gonpachi fights off a gang attempting to capture him for the reward. The famous otokodate Banzui Chobei witnesses the battle and picks up a message that has fallen to the ground. After reading it, he hands it to Gonpachi, who realizes it is the warrant for his arrest. Impressed with the young man's swordsmanship, Chobei allows him to go free, vowing they will meet again in Edo. Here, Gonpachi looks up from the warrant as he sits in a palanquin, smiling when he realizes that he is safe after all. He wears a blue kimono over a red under robe with a black collar, a white towel draped over one shoulder. A sweetly expressive figure, nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Kuniaki (active circa 1844 - 1868)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 8 7/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight creasing. Please see photos for details.