Musician under a Cherry Tree, 1851 - Interesting kabuki triptych showing a trio in a courtyard garden under a blossoming cherry tree. Asaka, the wife of Taro, kneels at left, smiling happily, raising her hand towards the musician Yokoyama Taro sitting on an ornate platform. He looks back at her with a frightened expression, gripping the edge of his drum and shrinking away from her. Between them, the yellow and blue butterflies fluttering through the sky represent the spirits of other people, either living or dead. At right, the nobleman Oguri Kaneuji holds a poem slip in his outstretched hand, looking at the drummer with tightly pursed lips as if very displeased. From left, the actors are Iwai Kumesaburo III, Ichikawa Kodanji IV, and Bando Hikosaburo I. Nice interaction between the expressive figures and an attractively detailed setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 5/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold, vertical folds at sides. Losses at edges, large wormholes, repaired. A few creases, stain. Please see photos for details.