Near perfect condition. There are no stains, holes, or creases. The colors remain vivid, and the printed lines are exceptionally sharp. Measuring approximately 52 × 34.5 cm, this is a large and impressive display piece.
This high-quality Japanese woodblock reproduction was produced during the 1950s as part of a postwar educational portfolio reproducing celebrated ukiyo-e masterpieces. The original design was created by Utagawa Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) between 1853 and 1854 and was edited for reproduction by Hara Shōjirō.
The print depicts the tragic lovers Yūgiri, a celebrated courtesan, and Fujiya Izaemon, one of Kabuki's most beloved romantic heroes. Their story comes from Kuruwa Bunshō (廓文章), a classic play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon that has remained a cornerstone of the Kabuki repertoire since the Edo period. In this dramatic scene, the lovers confront one another while a stern attendant watches from behind, heightening the emotional tension.
Kunisada was the leading designer of Kabuki actor prints during the nineteenth century, producing thousands of works inspired by Japan's most popular theatrical performances. Scenes from Kuruwa Bunshō were among his most admired designs, reflecting the enduring popularity of the play and its unforgettable characters.
Although this is not an Edo-period impression, it is an authentic 1950s Japanese reproduction produced using traditional printing methods to preserve the appearance and craftsmanship of the original ukiyo-e. These postwar educational editions introduced classic Japanese art to a new generation while maintaining the quality of hand-printed woodblock production.
