Scene from the Kabuki drama Koi bikyaku Yamato ōrai - Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (1797-1861) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) – Original Woodblock Print Triptych (Ōban, ca. 1847–1852) – Kabuki Lovers Umegawa and Chūbei

An authentic, dramatic Japanese polychrome woodblock print triptych (nishiki-e) by the master of the Utagawa school, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳, 1798–1861).

The composition portrays an iconic, windblown scene from the classic kabuki play "Koi bikyaku Yamato ōrai" (The Lovers' Suicide / Umegawa and Chūbei on the run):
• Center sheet: The courtesan Umegawa (つちや梅川) in an elaborate black kimono decorated with plum blossoms, caught in a dramatic gust of wind.
• Right sheet: Her lover Kameya Chūbei, disguised in traveling clothes with a headscarf (tenugui), sword, and straw rain cape, preparing for their escape.
• Left sheet: An attendant struggling against the storm with an inverted bamboo umbrella, a flying geta sandal tossed into the air.

Details:
• Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳, 1798–1861)
• Signature: Signed on all three sheets "Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga" (一勇齋國芳画) with red paulownia seal (Kiri-mon)
• Censor Seals: Dual Nanushi censor seals (Murata & Mera), Kaei period (ca. 1847–1852)
• Publisher: Yamamotoya Heikichi (Ekyūdo)
• Technique: Original woodblock print on Japanese paper
• Format: Complete Ōban triptych (3 joined sheets)
• Dimensions: Approx. 36 × 73.5 cm

Condition:
Good overall condition with strong, well-preserved colors and deep black garments. The three sheets are joined at the vertical seams and have an old period backing paper (with printed waste-paper text/motifs on the reverse, typical for 19th-century mounting). Minor surface wear, light handling creases, and small tears to the backing paper along the edges consistent with age. Unframed.

Shipping:
The print will be securely packaged flat between sturdy, protective archival cardboard panels and shipped with tracking and full insurance.

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