The Third Princess, 1890 - Terrific scene from the "Wakana" chapter of the famous "Tale of Genji," showing the Third Princess, the wife of Prince Genji, standing on the verandah of her private quarters. Below, three courtiers play football in the garden, the ball hovering in the air between them. The Princess is supposed to stay hidden from view behind the fine reed blinds hanging at right, but her curious kitten has wandered out on the verandah, and she follows the animal outside. The beauty is visible just long enough for the young Kashiwagi to see her and fall madly in love. She wears an intricately patterned outer robe over a white kimono tucked into red hakama pants, the fabric flowing onto the floor around her. A blossoming cherry tree frames the scene, sending a shower of delicate petals down over the winding blue stream. A lovely triptych, beautifully drawn and colored, with fine embossed detail on the white kimono and burnishing on the black court caps.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small repair, a few creases and spots. Please see photos for details.