Comments - Lovely image from the story of Kogo no Tsubone, a beautiful koto player in the court of Emperor Takakura. After the emperor became infatuated with her, she fled the court to escape the wrath of the empress's father. The search for her was unsuccessful until a court accompanist found her hiding in a country house in Saga. Here, the accompanist sits astride his dappled horse playing the flute as the beauty plays the koto inside the rustic home at right. A young page carrying the accompanist's sword waits patiently at left, standing beside a flowing stream. Autumn grasses blow in the breeze, and a full moon hangs low above the mountains at left. Beautifully detailed with burnishing in the black court cap and stirrup, and embossing in Lady Kogo's white kimono. A handsome design from this famous tale.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Paper remnants on reverse at corners from previous mounting, stain on reverse at one corner of each panel. Slight thinning at corner, small tear at edge, repaired. Creasing, slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.