Popular Matches for Thirty-six Selected Flowers - Handsome design from a late Toyokuni III series pairing kabuki actors with flowers. Each print features a half-length figure with a title cartouche that takes the form of a book surrounded by the selected flower. These attractive designs are nicely colored and detailed, with soft shading in the backgrounds. A rarely seen series, also translated as "Modern Comparison of the Thirty-six Poets."

Canola Flowers of the Inari Shrine: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Abe no Yasuna, 1861 - Terrific kabuki portrait of Ichimura Kakitsu IV as the unfortunate Abe no Yasuna. He was once engaged to a beauty named Sakaki-no-mae, the daughter of a famous astronomer, but her father died and her cruel stepmother caused her to commit suicide. Driven mad with grief, he wandered the country aimlessly, wearing his love's silk under garment. He is shown here looking over his shoulder with a frightened expression, clutching his hand to his chest. His unkempt hair is growing out at the sides, with longer locks flowing over his shoulders. His blue outer kimono is patterned with yellow blossoms, worn over the red under garment. Two butterflies flutter overhead, symbolic of souls or spirits. The title cartouche at upper right is framed by yellow canola blossoms at Inari Shrine. A great expressive figure with fine shading in the background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical fold at side. Small bump on face from backing paper. Please see photos for details.