Kiritsubo, Chapter 1: Chichibu no Shoji Shigetada and Akoya, 1864 - Terrific scene of the beautiful courtesan Akoya preparing to play the koto for her captor, the Genji commander Chichibu no Shoji Shigetada. The mistress of the warrior Taira Kagekiyo, who escaped following the Battle of Dan-no-ura, Akoya was kidnapped for questioning to reveal her lover's whereabouts. The Genji commander Shigetada forced her to play the koto to test her honesty after she said she did not know his location. Her playing was so pure and sincere, that Shigetada realized she was telling the truth. She wears a pretty kimono with a design of the Benzaiten, the goddess of music, and a lute. An attractive design.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

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