Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the play "Yayoi-zakura Hisago no Makubari," featuring a courtesan and two rivals for her affections. From left, the actors are Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as Fukumasuya Daisuke, Nakamura Fukusuke I as Hayakawa Takakage, and Onoe Kikugoro IV as Nanaura (or Shichiura) Tayu. The beauty stares over her shoulder in dismay as Daisuke frowns back at her, the nobleman Takakage grinning at the young man. The courtesan wears a magnificent black kimono patterned with a dragon and splashing golden yellow waves over a red tie-dyed robe, her long hair adorned with a large hairpin and many combs. Takakage kneels beside her, wearing a matching blue coat and kimono with a large floral and scroll pattern, his hand resting atop an ornate pipe with a lacquer tobacco set nearby. Blossoming cherry trees frame the night sky above a bamboo fence with flickering lanterns at intervals. An attractive design, nicely colored and detailed, with bokashi shading and handsome wood grain impression in the background. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous folio mounting. Slight thinning at one top corner, a few small holes, repaired. A few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.