Comments - Handsome scene from a kabuki play commonly known as "Izayoi Seishin." After his love affair with the geisha Izayoi is discovered, the priest Seishin is banished. They decide to commit suicide together, but neither succeeds. Here, the poet Hakuren has rescued Izayoi, pulling her from the water with his fishing net. He stares at her as he holds up a flaming torch for a better look as she hangs over the edge of his boat. At right, Seishin clings to a piling near the shore, his once-shaved hair growing out atop his head. He wears a beautifully embossed white robe tied with a purple umbrella. From left, the actors are Sukedakaya Kosuke IV as Izayoi, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Hakuren, and Onoe Kikugoro V as Seishin. An interesting subject with large expressive figures and vibrant color. Includes burnishing in the black cloth wrapped around Hakuren's head.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 27 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams, backed with old paper. Slight soiling, faint offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.