Comments - Handsome scene from the kabuki play "Butai no Hana Yayoi no Irodoki," the story of Princess Hanako, who becomes the nun Seigen after learning that her fiance, the samurai Yoshida Matsuwakamaru, has died. He has not actually died, and here, Matsuwakamaru appears at the hermitage where Seigen is studying sutras, surprising her. She throws her sleeve up as she turns away from him in shock, her text tumbling onto the floor from her low desk. Matsuwakamaru scowls at her, holding an insect cage in one hand and a fan in the other. At right, Katanakaji Dankuro watches her with a frown, a long wooden box tucked under his arm. Cherry blossoms frame the night sky above. Ichikawa Danjuro VIII appears as both Matsuwakamaru and Dankuro, and Iwai Kumesaburo III as Hanako no mae, later Seigen-ni. Nice expressive figures.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Wormholes and losses, repaired with backing. Toning, soiling, creasing, and rubbing. Please see photos for details.