Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the tragic tale of the greengrocer Hanbei and his wife, Ochiyo. Hanbei's stepmother kicked Ochiyo out of the house and warned Hanbei to divorce her, but Hanbei was still in love with Ochiyo. The pair decided to commit lover's suicide rather than be parted. Here, the couple seeks shelter from a sudden rainstorm at a country shrine. The beauty sits on the porch at right, wringing water from her kimono, a roll of tissues in her mouth. Hanbei looks at her solemnly as he lowers his umbrella. At left, another man stands beneath a pine tree, using a towel to dry the side of his face as red bolts of lightning zigzag across the night sky. Nice expressive figures in an interesting setting.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 29" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Paper strips on reverse at sides from previous attachment. A few small holes, repaired. Wrinkling and creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.