Comments - Unusual kabuki scene featuring people gathered at night beneath blossoming cherry branches. Seven commoners wear matching tan kimono bordered with bamboo, each with a blue and white towel draped over his shoulder or tied around his neck. The men exchange angry glances while the courtesan Takao of the Miurya at top center looks alarmed and the fellow at upper left scowls as he looks up from a long letter he is reading. The beauty wears a robe patterned with a peacock and a dragon obi. The left panel includes Seki Sanjuo, Sawamura Chojuro, Arashi Yoshisaburo and Fujikawa Hanatomo as the courtesan Miurya Usugumo. The center panel features Otani Tomomatsu, Bando Mitsugoro, Onoe Baiko as Takao, and Sawamura Chojuro. The right panel shows Arashi Shoraku as the beauty Izumoya Okuni, Ichimura Uzaemon, and Nakamura Shijaku as Yamanaka Shikanosuke. The title does not appear to be a literal translation of the scene. A handsome design with expressive figures and soft shading on the background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 30" + top margin as shown

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