Comments - Charming scene of Prince Genji and beauties enjoying an outing along the edge of a stream. They appear to be playing a poetry game called "kyokusui no utage." Dating back to the Heian era, the game involved setting a sake cup afloat. Downstream, each participant had to quickly compose a 31-syllable poem before the cup sake floated past. The writer then got to drink the sake after fishing the cup out of the stream. Here, a boy, a pair of retainers, and a traveler wade through the shallow water catching the cups. Genji stands in the center, grinning as he watches the boy reaching for a cup. His striped coat features an unusual pattern of koi or carp. At upper left, the cups pass under a stone bridge beside a mansion. Blossoming cherry trees can be seen beyond the grassy slope behind the group. An interesting subject with a lovely spring setting. Includes embossing on the white kimono collars and trim.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 28 1/2"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Vertical fold at side. A few small spots, slight rippling. Please see photos for details.