Comments - Terrific scene from the popular kabuki play commonly known as "Ninin Dojoji," featuring Onoe Kikugoro IV as the shirabyoshi dancer Sakuragi performing for two monks at Dojoji Temple. The beauty wears a kimono patterned with cherry blossoms and flowing water, looking up with a dismayed expression, a folding fan in hand. At right, the monk Shuchubo scratches his head in a puzzled manner, sensing that something is not quite right, while the other monk Baikobo stares at the dancer with a stern frown. Both men are unaware that the beauty is actually the spirit of the young girl Kiyohime, whose love for a priest ended in tragedy at Dojoji. Cherry blossoms frame the scene overhead, and a large temple bell hangs at right. The other actors are Onoe Baiko 4.5 as Baikobo and Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Shuchobo. A handsome design, attractively color and shaded, and detailed with embossing in the monks' kimono.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 19 5/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seams. A few small wormholes and tears in margins, repaired from reverse. Slight rubbing in subject with faint creasing and soiling at edges and corners. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.