Comments - Lovely kabuki scene from the play "Sakigake Komamatsu Umezakura Akebono"of the young samurai Ushiwakamaru, later known as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, serenading Princess Joruri with his flute. According to the story, Ushiwakamaru came across her home while traveling, and catching a glimpse of her beauty, became entranced by the young maiden. He played the flute outside her garden gate, capturing her attention, and the pair fell in love. Here, the beauty sits at a koto in her elegant house, looking wistfully toward her suitor, clasping her hands together before her. She wears a red kimono patterned with cherry blossoms, the fabric trailing onto the floor around her. In the center, a matron smiles at him over her shoulder, while holding her hand out in a stopping gesture to Joruri. A full moon glows in the evening sky, framed by a flowering cherry tree. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kuzo III, Nakamura Fukusuke II, Nakamura Kamenojo I, and Sawamura Tanosuke III as Joruri-hime. A beautiful design from this charming story. Chikanobu did few kabuki triptychs, so this is a rarely seen subject.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few repairs, creasing, slight curling. Please see photos for details.