Series; Popular Matches for Thirty-six Selected Flowers (Tosei mitate sanjuroku kasen)
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."
Wisteria on the Eaves: Ichikawa Ichizo III as Shirai Gonpachi, 1862 - Great kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Ichizo III as the young Shirai Gonpachi wiping clean the blade of his sword with a roll of tissues, a worried expression on his face. Wanted for the murder of his uncle, he is on the run trying to escape the authorities, and there is a warrant out for his arrest. The title panel above is framed with wisteria blossoms. An expressive figure, detailed with fine line work on the hair and soft shading on the background.
Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 1/2"
Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Backed with paper. Hole, repaired. Vertical fold at side. Staining. Please see photos for details.
