A Parisian Collector -   From an interesting group of nearly 200 prints that we just purchased from a Parisian estate. Included are some rare Meiji triptychs as well as a large selection of single subjects by Yoshitoshi, Hiroshige II, Kyosai, Kuniyoshi, Toyokuni III and others. The collection is especially notable for condition. The prints are crisp, clean, and beautiful - none have been displayed. These old estates are a great source for clean, hard to find designs.

Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the tale of the beauty Hototogisu, whose name means "Little Cuckoo." After rescuing Hototogisu from robbers, Lord Tomoenojo brings her back to his palace to live as his mistress, a situation that angers his mother-in-law, Yuri no Kata. Here, Hototogisu stands in the center of a room, looking over her shoulder with a worried frown, her hands clenched before her. Her kimono is shaded from violet to tan and patterned with cherry blossoms, and her hair is adorned with clusters of blue flowers. The courtesan at left looks up in alarm, throwing one hand out before her. At right, a Tomoenojo frowns unhappily as he pushes up the sleeve of his robe. At right, a large flower cart is filled with peonies and chrysanthemums, and a scroll hangs in a niche behind the figures. From left, the actors are Bando Mitsugoro VI, Ichimura Kakitsu IV, and Nakamura Fukusuke II. Nice expressive figures, attractively colored.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple small holes, repaired. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.