Comments - Attractive portrait from the kabuki play "Koharu no En Mitsugumi Sakazuki" of Onoe Kikugoro IV as Shirotae, the wife of the poor, disenfranchised former lord Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo. When a Buddhist monk arrived unexpectedly at their home during a snow storm, she and her husband treated the surprise visitor with as much honor as they could, even burning Tsuneyo's prized bonsai trees to cook a meal for him. The monk was actually the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori, who was disguised during an intelligence gathering mission. She looks up in alarm as she realizes that Tsuneyo is chopping up his beloved trees, her mouth slightly agape. Large snowflakes fall through the wintry sky. The blossoming cherry branches bordering the name cartouche at upper left represent the bonzai cherry tree that Tsuneyo sacrificed. Nicely detailed with fine bokashi shading in the sky and fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4" + left margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight separation at ends of vertical fold at left edge, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.