This Edo-period woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshitora, titled Akegarasu Yume no Awayuki (Dawn Crow: Dreams of Fleeting Snow), illustrates the tragic love story of Kasugaya Tokijirō and the Yoshiwara courtesan Urashiro. Created in 1847 (Kōka 4), this striking ōban nishiki-e diptych captures the emotional depth and dramatic storytelling characteristic of Yoshitora’s work.
Published by Shimizuya Naojirō, the composition features finely detailed figures, expressive faces, and intricate patterns reflecting the vibrant ukiyo-e style of the late Edo period. The colors remain rich, despite signs of age-related wear. The print has been backed with mounting paper, and there are removal marks visible. Discoloration, stains, and wormholes are also present, consistent with its age.
A compelling piece of 19th-century Japanese art, this print embodies the romanticized tales and visual elegance of the time.
