Comments - Fantastic triptych based on the kabuki play "Koi (goro mo) Karigane zome," which tells the story of the depraved priest Seigen, whose love for the Princess Sakura leads to tragedy. In this scene, the ghost of Seigen has returned to haunt the beauty, sitting on the sleeve of her kimono to prevent her from leaving. She struggles to free herself as a commoner arrives, ready to draw his sword against the blue-faced spirit. Blood oozes from the corner of Seigen's mouth, and his cropped hair sticks out around his head. A dead pheasant lies on the floor of the shabby hut before him, and there are cracks in the plaster walls and tears in the shoji screen. Arashi Rinkan II appears as yatsuko Yodohira, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII plays Kiyomizu Seigen, and Iwai Kumesaburo III portrays Sakamura-hime. A terrific image from this popular story, with a wonderfully detailed setting and expressive faces.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 28 3/4" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. A few small holes and losses repaired from reverse. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.