Comments - Handsome kabuki triptych featuring five actors, some of whom are standing in for the famous Six Immortal Poets. At left, the grinning monk carrying a maple branch with a gourd container tied to it is the monk Kisen Hoshi, while the seated nobleman in the center is Ariwara no Narihira. He wears a purple plaid robe and a black court cap, a quiver of arrows at his back. The beauty next to him is the Heian era poet and courtier Ono no Komachi. She exchanges a slight smile with the seated woman at lower left. The large, expressive figures are set off by a deep blue background and a simulated red lacquer frame. A colorful group portrait, nicely detailed with embossing in the monk's white kimono and a beautiful burnished cloud pattern in the black robe at right.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 28" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight soiling and ink offsetting, a few small spots and creases, rippling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.