Comparisons of Lovers, a Collection of Ballads - Handsome double portrait from a Toyokuni III series pairing famous kabuki couples with "hauta," love songs that were popular during the Edo era. Each design features two expressive figures in moods ranging from happy or sad to angry or worried. The clothing and accessories are beautifully detailed, and some prints include deluxe publishing techniques such as embossing or burnishing. The title cartouche takes the form of a book in an upper corner, with the text of the ballad above the figures. An interesting design from this seldom seen series.

Ichikawa Ichizo III as Miyagi Asojiro and Sawamura Tanosuke III as Asagao - Handsome kabuki double portrait of Ichikawa Ichizo III as Miyuki Asojiro and Sawamura Tanosuke III as Asagao (Morning Glory) on a verandah overlooking the water. The samurai fell in love with the beauty as their boats passed, giving her a poem written on a fan. When she never sees him again, Asagao weeps until she goes blind, and becomes an itinerant musician. At their first meeting, Asagao looks up at him with a coy smile, leaning against his arm. She wears a black kimono patterned with her namesake morning glories. Asojiro frowns back at her, a folding fan with a morning glory design in one hand and a brush in the other. The title cartouche takes the form of a book at upper right, with the story in text above the figures. An interesting design from this seldom seen series.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.