Book-washing Komachi - Charming design from a series pairing women with seven episodes from the life of the famous poet and great beauty Ono no Komachi. The scene corresponds to the story of Ono no Komachi clearing her name. On the night before a poetry contest, one of Komachi's rivals heard her reciting her poem, and hoping to discredit her, copied the verse into a book to accuse her of plagiarism. Komachi discovered the trick, and washed away the fresh ink. Here, a beauty studies a book as she kneels on the floor, her red kimono decorated with balancing toys. Komachi appears in the inset above. The first time we've seen this subject.

Artist - Eisen (1790 - 1848)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. A couple small repairs, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.