Comments - Intriguing kabuki scene of a group of visitors pausing at a tea stand at the entrance to a shrine. The young samurai Umejiro sits on a bench at left, holding a blue and white porcelain cup of tea, frowning sadly as he looks at the beauty Ohana kneeling before him. She smiles as she unrolls a woodblock print of an actor, the print clearly signed by the artist Kunihisa, who was one of Kunisada's students. The beauty Otsuru crouches at right, looking back at the sad samurai, a folding fan tied to a bamboo branch over her shoulder. At right, Kinbei of the Mochimaruya shop watche with a worried expression. A temple guardian figure is enclosed in the wooden structure behind them, with wire grill covering the openings, and a tea kettle sits on a brazier at far left. From left, the actors are Kataoka Ainosuke III, Ichikawa Ichizo III as both Uemjiro and Otsuru, and Nakamura Kantaro I. A fascinating scene with wonderful interaction between the expressive figures. Great color and detail in this interesting diptych.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 19 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, slight thinning at corners, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.