Comments - Beautiful original Harunobu woodblock depicting a beauty about to cut down a bonsai tree. The scene is a parody of the kabuki play "Hachi no Ki," which tells the story of a Buddhist monk arriving unexpectedly at the shabby home of Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo in Yashu. The poor man and his wife treated the surprise visitor with as much honor as they could, even burning Tsuneyo's three prized bonsai trees to cook a meal for him. The monk was actually the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori, who was disguised during an intelligence gathering mission. When Tokiyori issued a call to raise an army to protect the shogun, the impoverished Tsuneyo appeared with his rusty armor and sword, ready to serve. Tokiyori was so moved by his loyalty that he deeded three pieces of land to him, named Pine, Cherry, and Plum in honor of the bonsai trees he had sacrificed.

This lovely version shows a young woman kneeling in the snow with a knife in hand, the three bonsai arranged on a low table before her. She pauses to look over her shoulder as she gently takes hold of a branch. Beautifully drawn with delicate line work and lovely color and patterning in the beauty's many layers of kimono. The snow covering the bonsai and the tree branches in the background is lightly embossed, adding a sense of depth to the image. A wonderful Harunobu illustration honoring this classic tale of sacrifice and loyalty. An incredible design by one of the most notable woodblock print artists of the Edo era. A terrific choice for the discerning collector.

Artist - Harunobu (1724 - 1770)

Image Size - 7 5/8" x 10 1/2"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two paper tabs at reverse from previous mounting. Beautiful white ink application on snow. Slight darkened, a lovely sense of age in this very fine Harunobu print.