Elder Studying a Map, 1840

Terrific kabuki scene from the play Gohiiki Yakko no Konoshita showing the elderly man Chaya Zesai, who is actually Matsushita Kaheiji in disguise, looking up from a map he was studying. He grimaces angrily as the young man at left cuts off his ponytail with his sword, holding the hair in his outstretched hand. At right, the nobleman Hisayoshi holds a young heir on his shoulder. He wears an exotic brocade patterned with dragons and flames, and trimmed with rows of ruffles. From left, the actors are Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Sorori Shinsaku, Seki Sanjuro III as Chaya Zesai (actually Matsushita Kaheiji), Nakamura Utaemon IV as Chikuzen no kami Hisayoshi, and Bando Katsujiro as Teruwaka no Kimi. An intriguing design, nicely detailed and attractively colored, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

14 5/8" x 29 1/2"

With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams and lightly toned throughout. A few small holes in subject, repaired from reverse. Slight rubbing and soiling along edges with minor spotting in subject. Light remnants from previous backing on reverse with a couple faint stains in left-hand panel Please see photos for details. Nice overall.