Comments - Terrific kabuki scene based on the story from the "Tales of Heike" of Shunkan, who was exiled to an island with two other men after plotting against the Taira leader Kiyomori. After three years, an envoy arrives with pardons for the other two men, but not for Shunkan. He is shown here clinging to a pine tree, a desperate look on his face, watching as the ship carrying his companions sails off into the distance. His long hair falls over his shoulders and he wears a mantle made of leaves over his brown patterned kimono. At left the beauty Chidori smiles happily at him, apparently unaware of his distress, waving her kimono sleeve and holding a basket of shellfish. Tiny figures wave from the stern of the departing boat and a line of birds flies off into the sky. A great design with wonderfully expressive figures and a striking natural setting, nicely colored and shaded.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 18 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. Please see photos for details.