Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Izayoi Seishin," a tale about the priest Seishin, who is banished after his lover affair with the geisha Izayoi is discovered. The pair decides to commit suicide rather than be parted. Shown pausing on a bridge, from left the actors are Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Yaegaki no Monzo, Iwai Kumesaburo III as Shinzo Izayoi, and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Seishin, a monk of Gokuraku-ji Temple. In the center, Izayoi looks up with a smile as she fastens a red tie-dyed obi around her waist. Her kimono is softly shaded from pale plum to soft blue, bordered with butterflies, and she has a dotted towel draped over her head against the cool night air. The samurai Monzo regards her with an unhappy frown, holding an umbrella over his shoulder. At right, Seishin looks distraught, grimacing as he stretched a dotted towel between his hands. His once shaved head is covered with short hair, and he wears a light blue robe. Misty clouds partially conceal a full moon glowing in the evening sky, the city below seen in silhouette on the horizon. An attractive design, nicely detailed and shaded, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A couple small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.