Comparison of Flowers from the Calligraphy Model Book - Toyokuni III's 1852 series "Comparison of Flowers from the Calligraphy Model Book" depicts actors in roles from "Sugawara denju tenarai kagami," a kabuki drama based on the life of the ninth-century courtier and calligrapher Sugawara no Michizane, called Kan Shojo in the play. The story revolves around samurai triplets, named Umeomaru (plum), Sakuramaru (cherry), and Matsuomaru (pine), who become the victims of divided loyalties following the treacherous downfall of their sponsor, Sugawara, at the hands of Matsuomaru's employer, Shihei. These handsome designs feature expressive half-length portraits, with attractive landscapes related to scenes from the play. Nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair, some feature deluxe treatments such as burnishing or embossing. A rarely seen Toyokuni III kabuki series.

Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Sukune Taro - Handsome kabuki portrait from a series depicting roles from the classic drama "Sugawara denju tenerai kagami," a play about the exile of scholar and calligrapher Sugawara no Michizane. Here, Ichikawa Kodanji IV portrays the samurai Sukune Taro, staring to the side with an unhappy frown, his arms folded behind his back. He wears a deep blue kimono mottled with dark green, his swords at his side, one sleeve pushed down to reveal a red under robe. His hair is pulled back into a thick ponytail tied downwards rather than the traditional topknot. The landscape above features a garden pond with a narrow bridge at left and a stone lantern behind a small hill. A nice expressive figure from this rarely seen Toyokuni III series.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight separation along vertical folds at sides, loss at edge, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.