Comments - Terrific kabuki triptych based on the story of the depraved priest Seigen, whose desire for the Princess Sakura leads to tragedy. Here the skeletal Seigen stretches out a bony hand toward the beauty as she cowers behind the sleeve of her colorful red kimono. His gray robe is loosely wrapped about him, his ribs visible where it falls open at the chest, his short hair forming a halo around his head. The princess shrinks from him as the samurai at left reacts with alarm, throwing out his hands to stop the crazed priest, who focuses intently on the young princess. The scene takes place in a rustic mountain cabin, a blazing fire sending clouds of smoke billowing through the room. Wonderfully expressive faces, highlighted with soft shading, and fine embossed detail on the beauty's white kimono collar. A great design from this famous tale, a subject of many popular kabuki plays.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.