A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Ichikawa Komazo as Chubee and Actor Nakaya Tomisaburo as Courtesan Umekawa" by Toshusai Sharaku. Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Sharaku. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in September, 1964. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 20 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, minor age wear on the cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of the commentary by Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi (below) in Japanese and English is included. Overall (folded) 12.50"W x 18.25"H Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.25"H Image 9.70"W x 14.10"H Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi: Signature: signed Toshusai Sharaku Printers: Tsutaya Juzaburo (with a seal) In the possession of Tokyo National Museum This is the only picture done during 2nd production period is taken also from the "Love's Flying Messenger" this particular scene is the most famous in the play representing the lovers suicide trip on the stage. The color scheme of the clothes the lovers wear for this occasion: matching purple silk outer garments. Courtesan Umegawa wears light pink inner garment and both wear red (salmon) for the last tier of undergarment. Lustrous black used for sash of each and for Chubee's collar. SHARAKU puts in an open yellow ochre umbrella to emphasize the fairness of their hands holding it together. This is the most classic of the lovers' suicide trips in the Kabuki drama. SHARAKU's deformation and exaggeration do not mar or detract anything from the lyricism of it, it actually emphasizes the romantic atmosphere.