Comments - Evocative image of the depraved priest Seigen, haunted by his illicit love affair with the beautiful Princess Sakura. Reduced to poverty, the tortured former priest hugs the princess's cherry blossom print kimono, her spirit rising from it in a cloud. His eyes are sunken and his face drawn as he clutches the robe tightly to his chest. A fire burns in a floor brazier at left, and the paper screen of the lantern behind it is tattered and torn. Princess Sakura smiles sweetly as she looks down, dressed in an elegant robe matching the one the priest clutches. Her hair is adorned with a cluster of floral ornaments in silver metallic pigment. Terrific realistic detail in the facial expression and wild hair. An intriguing image by Yoshitoshi in the unusual kakemono or vertical diptych format, detailed with embossing on the white trim of Sakura's kimono, burnishing in the black obi, and soft bokashi shading.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 27 5/8" x 9 1/4"+ margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels, attached at the seams. A few small holes, repaired, blends well. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.