Kesa-gozen, circa 1841 - 1842 - Moving depiction of the lovely Lady Kesa cutting her hair so that she may impersonate her husband. The virtuous wife of a palace guard, Kesa-gozen became the object of the samurai's Endo Morito's unwanted affections, and although she repeatedly refused his advances, he remained persistent. To end things, she asked him to kill her husband, then after cutting off her hair, took her husband's place in bed that night to fool Morito into killing her instead. She tilts her head to the side as she uses a short sword to cut off her long hair. Her outer kimono is decorated with crickets and small inset cages, worn over an intricately pattern blue and white under robe. A wisp of smoke rises from an incense burner on a red lacquer stand at left, drifting across the top of the scene. A beautifully detailed portrait of this exemplary woman. The first time we've offered this design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Small loss, a few wormholes, mostly near edges, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few small spots and marks. Please see photos for details.