Comments - Beautiful palace scene of beauties practicing flower arranging on New Year's morning. In the center, Prince Genji chats with a beauty kneeling on the floor, who smiles back at him happily. She holds a flowering plum branch and a pair of scissors, trimming the stalk before placing it in an ornate vase with a dragon design. A tray at her side holds additional branches and red camellias. At left, a woman carries in a pitcher of water for the vase, the young visitor's sword bearer kneeling nearby. The room is exquisitely furnished with a fine lacquer stand at right holding scrolls and stacks of books, and a window overlooking an ancient plum tree in bloom. Beautifully detailed with extensive burnishing, including a subtle pattern on the black lining of Genji's coat, and embossing on the white kimono trim. The Boston Museum of Fine Art has this image in its collection. A lovely design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small thinning spot, repaired. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details.