Utagawa Yoshitaki (1841-1899)
A fierce battle scene in the castle of Kôriyama. The daimyô of Kôriyama province, Honda Naiki (Dainaiki), stands with a lance in his hand in front of a wall painting depicting a wild tiger, watching the fight between his retainer Karaki Masaemon and Sakurada Rinzaemon.
Scene from a popular Igagoe drama (Revenge at Iga Pass), based on a historical incident from 1634.
The roles and their actors: Honda Naiki: Bandô Hikosaburô V (right) - Sakurada Rinzaemon: Nakamura Nakasuke II (centre) - Karaki Masaemon: Arashi Kichisaburô III (left).
The performance took place in the 8th month of 1860 at the Naka Theatre in Osaka.
Title/Drama: Keisei homare no sukedachi 契情誉の両刀
Signature: Ichiyôtei Yoshitaki ga (right) and Yoshitaki ga.
Date: 8th month, 1860
Original Japanese colour woodblock print. Size: Chûban triptych, overall 24,6 x 53,2 cm
Excellent impression and colours, with burnishing, embossing and metal pigments. The three sheets mounted together, with original album backing, leporello folds, vertical creases in the right sheet. Folds a little open at the top, one with a little loss of paper. Minor soiling and stains. Overall very good condition.
Rarely seen early work by Yoshitaki. Cf. Hankyu Bunka Archive, 中Y209-01/-02/-03
€ 480,-