Comments - Handsome kabuki double portrait of the greengrocer Hanbei and his wife, Ochiyo. Hanbei's stepmother has kicked Ochiyo out of the house and warned Hanbei to divorce her, but Hanbei is still in love with Ochiyo. The pair decides to commit lover's suicide rather than be parted. Here, Hanbei looks back at his wife with a sad frown. Ochiyo smiles back at him, unaware of his stepmother's plans. She draws a dotted towel across her back through the sleeves of her kimono, a roll of tissues and a pipe case and tobacco pouch tucked into her checked obi. A cloud-like border separates the figures from a view of fields stretching out beyond a row of pine trees, with a roadside shrine at right under a falling rain. The actors are Sawamuro Chojuro as Yaoya Hanbei and Bando Shuka as Ochiyo. A poignant image with expressive figures and fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 19 7/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seams. Light soiling and spotting in subject. Faint creasing and rubbing near edges. One minor stain in right panel. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.