Comments - Terrific kabuki triptych depicting the five chivalrous commoners, otokodate or street knights who protected local people from outlaw samurai. The men wear an array of impressive kimono with striking designs, including a stone demon, a dragon, and a lion. Each carries a white cloth or has one casually draped over a shoulder or tied around the neck. A dramatic composition with large figures set off by the dark night sky behind them. From right, the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Tomizawa Jinnai, Nakamura Kantaro as Ohyariko Denbei (R), Nakamura Shikan IV as Ibishi Jinnai (C), Ichikawa Beisho as Takasago Hanbei, and Ichikawa Kuzo III as the Otokodate Shoki Hanbei (L). A great kabuki scene with handsome wood grain impression in the background.
Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Good detail. Slight thinning along horizontal centerfolds, a few small holes, repaired. Vertical fold in right panel.
