Comments - Handsome depiction of the Ninokuchi Village scene from a play about the courtesan Umegawa and the courier Chubei, two young lovers who decided to commit suicide rather than be parted after Chubei steals the money to release Umegawa from her contract. Fleeing to Chubei's home village, they stop for shelter, where they encounter Chubei's father, Magoemon. The beauty stands at left, leaning forward with an eager smile, a roll of tissues in her outstretched hand. The older man stares back at her with a tight-lipped frown. A string of prayer beads dangles from his ear, supposed to help him think clearly and control temper. At right, Chubei cowers behind his kimono sleeve, a concerned expression on his face. Chanters and musicians appear on a platform on the back of the stage at left, with a snowy winter landscape at right. Nice large expressive figures. The first time we've offered this Toyokuni III triptych.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 29 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight thinning at corner, small wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, vertical wrinkle in right panel, paper remnant at side. Please see photos for details.