Picture List of Birds - This is a great, rarely seen series by Toyokuni III depicting actors in famous roles, each paired with a specific type of bird, which appears in the background of each scene. These are wonderful bold images, with dynamic compositions and a great use of color. The large half-length portrait format allows for a close-up view with excellent detail. These are outstanding woodblock prints, some of the nicest actor images we've seen, and they would make a fantastic addition to any print collection.

Geese: Sawamura Tanosuke III as the Nun Seigen, 1860 - Terrific kabuki portrait of Sawamura Tanosuke III as the nun Seigen from the play commonly known as "Onna Seigen," a tragic tale about Princess Hakano, who becomes a nun after learning that her fiance, Yoshida no Matsuwakamaru, has died. She goes crazy after her sister, Princess Sakura, becomes engaged to a man who looks just like her fiance (and in fact, is). Reduced to begging, Seigen is shown torn robes and a tattered woven hat, looking up with a smile as geese descend for the evening through the night sky. A blue floral print cloth bundle is tied over her shoulder, and she rests her hands atop a bamboo walking staff. Beautifully detailed with fine bokashi shading, handsome wood grain impression in the night sky, and a dusting of mica across the top of the sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A few small wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few marks and creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.