Comments - Handsome kabuki portrait of Bando Shuka I as the nun Seigen from the play commonly known as "Onna Seigen," a tragic tale about Princess Hakano, who becomes a nun after learning that her fiance, Yoshida no Matsuwakamaru, has died. She goes crazy after her sister, Princess Sakura, becomes engaged to a man who looks just like her fiance (and in fact, is). This print may be a shini-e or memorial portrait of Bando Shuka I, who died in 1855. The figure matches the earlier 1852 print "Fire: The Flames of Passion in the Heart" from the series " Collection of Exemplars of the Five Elements," but the background has been changed from a water view to a night sky with a couple of butterflies, and the title cartouche has been removed. Some shini-e include butterflies to symbolize the transitory nature of life, and some shini-e were recycled from earlier kabuki prints with the background blocks recut so they could be rushed into production. Either way, an interesting and unusual print.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, small mark, slight rubbing and a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.