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 - Intriguing scene of a group gathered in an interior, with a beauty at left playing kokyu, an instrument similar to a shamisen but played upright, and a man at right accompanying her on a shakuhachi flute. Strangely, a knife rests on the floor before the beauty and a sword lies beside the flute player. He wears an informal blue and white kimono, which hangs open at his chest, his long hair falling over his shoulders. In the center, a fellow dries the side of his face with a towel as he holds a small drawstring bag. An elderly woman at his side looks up at him, holding a hammer for the flat bell nearby. At right, a bench sits in front of a low folding screen decorated with a blossoming plum tree. The actor at right is Ichikawa Kodanji IV. An interesting design with expressive figures and a nicely detailed setting.

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. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.