Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play Mukashigatari inazuma zoshi," a drama about the disgraced samurai Nagoya Sanza. Entrusted by his lord with the care of a precious scroll, Sanza was banished from his clan after the scroll was stolen by the evil Fuwa Banzaemon. His wife became the courtesan Katsuragi, selling herself so that her husband could search for the scroll, and Banzaemon became a client of hers. In the Yoshiwara one night as Katsuragi is getting out of a palanquin, the enemies meet accidentally. At right, Sanza holds his blade between both his hands as Katsuragi recoils, thrusting her hat out at him in self-defense. At left, Banzaemon prepares to draw his sword, frowning angrily. Both he and Katsuragi wear back kimono patterned with red lightening and thunderclouds. Blossoming cherry trees and willows frame the softly shade sky above. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Bando Shuka I, and Ichimura Uzaemon XII. The first time we've seen this Kuniyoshi kabuki design.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.