Author: Kunisada (Toyokuni III).
Title: Danshischi Kurobei wielding a sword against Mikawaya Giheiji.
Description: Edo (Tokyo), Yo-Takichi (Otaya Takichi), 1858-1858. Ukiyo-é oban-dyptich on two joined sheets. [35.3 x 49.2 cm.] - Light fading. * Very rare diptych depicting Giheiji and Kurobei during the play Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami. A puppet-theatre-play written in 1745 that later was adapted for Kabuki-theatre. This scene is the Nagamachi Urascene (of the 9-act drama). And was staged during the 5th lunar month in 1855. It depicts a tattood Kurobei wielding a sword against Giheiji. Although the depiction of Giheiji was used in an earlier series: Ukiyo-hakkei-no-uchi, Uratanbo-no-seiran and the depiction of Kurobei was used in a seperately published print from, 1858 (with a black-and blue) checkered background, no references / or other copies are kept in public collections. The scene depicts the moment after Giheiji and Danshichi agreed upon the ransom and release of Kotoura (a courtesan) by Giheiji. Then Danshichi confesses that he has no money, and Giheiji burns with anger. He strikes Danshichi's face with his clog, abuses him loudly, and then proceeds to beat him up. Danshichi receives the cruel treatment without resistance, but finally he can stand it no longer and tries to slash Giheiji with his sword.

Keywords: Asian art Japon Aziatische kunst / Japan(Originele grafiek) Graphic Asia Japan Aziatische kunst Japan Aziatische kunst / Japan(Originele grafiek) Grafiek Azië