Comment - Kabuki triptych depicting Onoe Kikugoro-V as a yakko-dako ("yakko-dako", "奴凧") or man kite. The title of the tryptich ("Yakko-dako Onoe Kikugorō", "奴凧 尾上菊五郎") is written on the left panel. The series title is written on the upper right panel. Yakkos were low-ranking servants or footmen attached to high-ranking samurai. They traditionally wore a coat with a distinctive square crest on it, not associated with any particular family. The yakko shown here has risen into the sky with his outspread sleeves acting as wings, kite string attached to his shoulders and waist. He hangs weightless in the sky, his legs kicking as he stares ahead with grim determination. A fan kite flutters in the sky at lower left. The kite ("Sensu tako", "扇子凧", fan kite) is decorated with a red Chrysantemum bud, giving the impression of the Japanese National flag together with a red rainbow.


Series - Kabuki Theater with Dramatic Recitation ("Kabukiza Joruri", "歌舞伎座 浄瑠璃")


Artist - see Biography


Signature - "from the brush of Kochoro Hosei" ("Kochoro Hosai hitzu" , "香 朝 楼 豊斎 筆") in the white cartouche, lower right panel


Publisher - not read (cf. same seal)


Image Size - 71.4 x  34.6 cm (28 1/8" x 13 5/8")


Condition - triptych, three panels attached at the seams; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); Vertical ôban (ôban tate-e);