Comparison of the Ogura One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each -  Handsome design from a terrific series pairing a verse from the best-loved collection of Japanese poetry, "The One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each," with figures from Japanese history or theater. Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi, and Kunisada each designed prints for the series. Divided into two parts, the first group of prints features a poem next to the series title, while the second half includes a fan-shaped inset with a portrait of the featured poet. A wonderful and unusual series with great designs by the top artists of the mid-19th century. These prints would make great additions to any ukiyo-e collection.

Gon Chunagon Masafusa, Poet No. 73 - Attractive kabuki scene from the play "Ichi-no-Tani futaba gunki" showing the beauty Tamaori-hime kneeling at the feet of the young Taira nobleman Mukan dayu Atsumori. The couple exchanges happy smiles, unaware that the warrior will be killed during the upcoming Battle of Ichi-no-Tani. Dressed in fine suit of armor over a green and yellow robe, Atsumori also wears a billowing brocade cloak, a symbol of a messenger or an important person during battle. The beauty's blue kimono is patterned with tie-dyed blossoms and her hair is adorned with clusters of blue flowers. The featured poet for this design is Gon Chunagon Masafusa (Oe no Masafusa), and the verse reads:

On that far mountain
On the slope below the peak
Cherries are in flower.
Oh, let the mountain mists
Not arise to hide the scene.

A lovely depiction of the young couple, beautifully colored and detailed.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few small wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges, slight rippling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.