Toyohara Chikanobu, Japanese, 1838 to 1912, better known to his contemporaries as Yoshu Chikanobu, original antique Meiji era ukiyo e triptych color woodblock prints on paper, Kabuki Play, Tsumoru Koi Yuki no Sekinoto, The Spirit of the Cherry Tree. Fantastic kabuki triptych of a scene from the play commonly known as Seki no To. The barrier guard Sekibei, who has been drinking at the home of the nobleman Munesada, reacts with a frown when the lovely courtesan Sumizome mysteriously under a blossoming cherry tree. She is actually the spirit of the cherry tree, come to do battle with Sekibei, who attempted to chop down the tree while drunk. Munesada watches from the right with a worried expression, clutching his sleeve to his chest. The wild-haired warrior grips the rustic handle of an enormous ax, the head painted with red flames. He glares with angry surprise as the beauty stares back at him, white cherry blossoms framing the scene against a dramatic red sky. The actors are Nakamura Fukusuke as Sumizome, Nakamura Shikan as Otomo no Kuronushi disguised as Sekibei, and Kataoka Gado as Munesada. Each is signed and inscribed in the plate. Completed with a certificate of authenticity of the Japanese Gallery Kensington, signed by the director. Toyohara Chikanobu, better known to his contemporaries as Yoshu Chikanobu, was a Japanese painter and printmaker who was widely regarded as a prolific woodblock artist during the Meiji epoch. Antique Asian and Oriental Graphic Art Prints and Collectibles.

Dimensions: Left 14 5/8 x 9 3/4 in, Center 14 5/8 x 9 3/4 in, Right 14 5/8 x 9 3/4 in. All measurements are approximate.