Comments - Attractive scene from the "Tale of Genji" of the young nobleman preparing to write poem slips. He smiles as he watches the beauty in the center grinding a stick of sumi ink on an ink stone, while another seated woman at left takes blank poem slips from a lacquer box. The young beauty at right carries in a small teapot of water to mix the ink. Genji wears a fine brocade coat patterned with butterflies or moths, the blue-gray lining featuring a subtle burnished design. The room is elegantly furnished with a folding screen covered with wisteria, a brazier holding glowing red coals, and a niche at right with a go board and chests. Lovely detail in the elegant kimono fabrics and the household furnishings. A charming subject.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses and slight thinning at edges, a few holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, wrinkle in left panel, a few marks. Please see photos for details.