KUNISADA. Yakusha-e. Kabuki Theater scene. Characters... Lot 104

KUNISADA. Yakusha-e. Kabuki Theater scene. Characters in front of a Shinto altar. Triptych. Triptych, Ôban tate-e (vertical). 360x735 mm. Sign: "Toyokuni ga," in a red Toshidama cartouche. Publisher: Moriya Jihei. Censors' seal: Kinugasa Murata. Oval seal with zodiac date (Rat, 4). Signs of wear. Bright colors. Kabuki scene of Grand Meeting (Daidai-ko no ba ) in "Ise ondo koi-no-nebata." In front of a large Shinto household alter, surrounded by bamboo with white decoration, major characters of the play are depicted: in the center standing are Saruta Hikodazu and Shojiki Shotaro (covering his head with sleeves). On the is right Fukuoka Mitsugi, kneeling but reaching a package of money for his Aunt Omine, who is holding the sword. On the package it is written "1000 ryó" , the amount which was found in osaissen-bako, the donation box on the shelf of the altar. On the left we see Dómyaku Kinbei kneeling and Okon of an oil shop.The play is loosely based on a real killing spree which took place in Furuichi (aburaya Sôdô), and which caused a sensation, about two months before the play's premiere in the 7th lunar month of 1796.