Comments - Interesting kabuki print depicting two sumo wrestlers arguing in an interior. The fellow at right draws back his arm with a sandal in his hand, ready to hit his companion. Striking someone with a sandal in Edo era Japan was considered a serious insult. His fellow wrestler turns away from him at left, scowling furiously, a pipe in one hand and a cloth in the other. He wears a striped kimono over a red under robe trimmed with fringe, tied with a leaf print obi. A tobacco pouch and pipe case rest on the floor nearby, with a brazier between the men. The red pigment use for the skin of the figure at right has oxidized to a dark tone. Nice expressive figures. We don't come across prints by this Edo era artist very often.

Artist - Kuniyasu (1794 - 1832)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 20 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight soiling, slight rubbing at edges, a few creases and small stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.