Comparisons of Lovers, a Collection of Ballads - Handsome double portrait from a Toyokuni III series pairing famous kabuki couples with "hauta," love songs that were popular during the Edo era. Each design features two expressive figures in moods ranging from happy or sad to angry or worried. The clothing and accessories are beautifully detailed, and some prints include deluxe publishing techniques such as embossing or burnishing. The title cartouche takes the form of a book in an upper corner, with the text of the ballad above the figures. An interesting design from this seldom seen series.

Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as Chubei and Onoe Kikugoro IV as Umegawa, 1860 - Poignant image of Kataoka Nizaemon VIII and Onoe Kikugoro IV as the tragic lovers Chubei and Umegawa in the play "Michiyuki kokyo no harusame." Chubei is a farmer's son who works for a courier firm, who falls in love with the beautiful courtesan Umegawa. Unable to raise the money to redeem her from service, he steals from his firm, a crime punishable by death. The lovers eventually decide to commit suicide together rather than be parted. In this scene, Umegawa looks down with an anguished expression, clutching her sleeves in front of her. Chubei stands behind her frowning, pushing up the sleeve of his black kimono. He holds an umbrella and has a white towel draped over his shoulder. Both appear somewhat disheveled, with loose wisps of hair framing their faces. A handsome and expressive design, beautifully detailed with a burnished pattern in both black kimono. The British Museum has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small wormholes, repaired. Wrinkling near edges, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.