Picture List of Birds - This is a great, rarely seen series by Toyokuni III depicting actors in famous roles, each paired with a specific type of bird, which appears in the background of each scene. These are wonderful bold images, with dynamic compositions and a great use of color. The large half-length portrait format allows for a close-up view with excellent detail. These are outstanding woodblock prints, some of the nicest actor images we've seen, and they would make a fantastic addition to any print collection.

Swallows - Bold image of a young rogue looking up over his shoulder with an angry frown as he wipes clean the blade of his sword using a straw zori sandal. His black kimono features a beautiful burnished geometric pattern, the sleeves tied back with a blue sash. His thick hair is pulled back into an upright ponytail, tightly wrapped with embossed cord. A cloud-like border separates the figure from a view of sparrows flying across the night sky under slanting rain. At left, a palanquin can be seen beneath a willow tree. A great kabuki design, nicely composed and colored, with fine bokashi shading in the background and handsome wood grain impression in the sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight soiling, faint ink offsetting, a few wrinkles. Please see photos for details. Good overall.