Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play "Higashiyama Sakura Soshi" (The Higashiyama Storybook). At right, the young nobleman Ashikaga Jiro no kimi waves a folding fan above his head as he smiles down at the lady-in-waiting Tamakazura, who holds a sho, a reed pipe mouth organ. At left, Ashikaga Yoshihisa plays a small hand drum strung around his neck. He wears a beautiful pair of butterfly wings and a blue print tunic over a red floral kimono. On a platform behind the actors, a row of chanters sit behind small reading stands, and two musicians play shamisen. From left, the actors are Bando Takesaburo I as Ashikaga Yoshihisa, Iwai Kumesaburo III as Ashikaga Jiro no kimi, and Onoe Kikujiro II as Tamakazura. An attractive subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 19 1/4"

Condition - This diptych with excellent color and detail. Two panels, not attached at the seams. Faint soiling and rubbing along edges and corners. See photos. Good overall.