Popular Matches for Thirty-six Selected Flowers - Handsome design from a late Toyokuni III series pairing kabuki actors with flowers. Each print features a half-length figure with a title cartouche that takes the form of a book surrounded by the selected flower. These attractive designs are nicely colored and detailed, with soft shading in the backgrounds. A rarely seen series, also translated as "Modern Comparison of the Thirty-six Poets."

Lotus Blossoms in the Pond: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Tenjiku Tokubei, 1862 - Interesting kabuki portrait of the boatman Tenjiku Tokubei, who learns the secret of toad magic from the elderly samurai Sokan. Here, Tokubei looks over his shoulder with an angry frown, his hand flung out open before him. He wears a light brown vest over blue kimono patterned with stylized flower and cloud motifs over a light yellow under robe, a sword at his side. Above, lotus blossoms and leaves frame the title block, which takes the form of a book. A nice large expressive figure, detailed with embossing on the white kimono trim.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 10"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical fold at side. Hole, repaired. Small repair. Please see photos for details.