Comments - Attractive portrait from the kabuki play "Koharu no En Mitsugumi Sakazuki" of Onoe Kikugoro IV as Shirotae, the wife of the poor, disenfranchised former lord Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo. When a Buddhist monk arrived unexpectedly at their home during a snow storm, she and her husband treated the surprise visitor with as much honor as they could, even burning Tsuneyo's prized bonsai trees to cook a meal for him. The monk was actually the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori, who was disguised during an intelligence gathering mission. She looks up in alarm as she realizes that Tsuneyo is chopping up his beloved trees, her mouth slightly agape. Large snowflakes fall through the wintry sky. The blossoming cherry branches bordering the name cartouche at upper left represent the bonsai cherry tree that Tsuneyo sacrificed. Nicely detailed with fine bokashi shading on the sky and fine line work on the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Slight curling, a few stains. Please see photos for details.