Comments - Beautiful kabuki triptych from a play based on the disputed succession of the Date Clan. Here, the powerful nobleman Ashikaga Yorikane has fallen in love with the beautiful courtesan Takao of the Miura House, to the point of neglecting his duties and prompting a takeover plot against him. He stands in the center, fanning himself as he looks up with a sheepish frown. He wears a dark blue coat patterned with sparrows in flight and pine trees over a red bamboo print kimono. At right, Takao watches him with a fond smile, elegantly dressed in a colorful kimono and brocade obi. At left, her fellow courtesan Usuyuki smiles back over her shoulder, wearing a red outer robe featuring a flower cart filled with pink and blue peonies. Pink cherry blossoms frame the evening sky, and flames flicker in lanterns attached to stakes in the ground below. Lovely detail in this attractive design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small repairs and creases. Please see photos for details.