Comments - Fantastic scene from the kabuki play "Onna Seigen," a tragic tale about Princess Hakano, who becomes a nun after learning that her fiance, Yoshida no Matsuwakamaru, has died. She goes crazy after her sister, Princess Sakura, becomes engaged to a man who looks just like her fiance (and in fact, is). Reduced to begging, Seigen is shown lifting a tattered hat and wearing ragged robes as she rides in the villainous boatman Sota's ferry. The nun looks over shoulder with a smile as Matsuwakamaru uses a fishing net to retrieve Sakura's kimono from the river. He lifts his own hat with a scowl, flames rising from the fire basket behind him. The dark night sky is streaked with misty clouds, and a crescent moon shines at upper left. Ichikawa Ebizo V plays Shioirimura no Sota and Iwai Hanshiro V appears as Seigen-ni. Great expressive faces and a nicely detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss at one top corner, a few wormholes and small holes, repaired. Slight creasing, slight soiling and rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details.