Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Miyakodori Nagare no Shiranami," a tragic tale about the lovers Oshun and the Genji samurai Denbei. Here, Denbei pays a visit to his sweetheart, concerned that he has lost her affection. He is unaware that Oshun is hiding the Princess Sono-no-Mae of the Taira clan, and Denbei has orders to kill the princess. At right, he looks up at the beauty through a window, frowning angrily as he tucks up the back of his robe. At left, Toyama Jinzo likewise watches Oshun, one hand resting atop the hilt of his sword. In order to keep Sono-no-Mae safe from him, Oshun writes a letter asking Denbei to separate from her, although she is actually still in love with him. She grins strangely as she looks down, rubbing her head with her hand, still holding a brush as she composes the false statement. From left, the actors are Arashi Rikan III, Bando Shuka I, and Bando Takesaburo I as Denbei. A row of clouds runs across the bottom below a garden fence topped with bamboo spikes, with a blossoming cherry tree at left and a pine at right. Nice expressive figures in an interesting and attractive setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few holes, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling, slight toning and soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details.