Actors Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Ono Sadakurô (R), Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Farmer (Hyakushô) Yoichibei (L), and Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Hayano Kanpei (in inset)

「斧定九郎」初代河原崎権十郎　「百性与一兵衛」四代目市川小団次、「早野勘平」初代目河原崎権十郎

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Kiya Sôjirô (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Koizumi Kanegorô (Hori Kane) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 9th month

Medium/Technique Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper

Dimensions Vertical ôban diptych; 36.2 x 50.1 cm (14 1/4 x 19 3/4 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.40850a-b

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.22429-30, 11.40850a-b

Play: Kanadehon Chûshingura
Theater: Ichimura
仮名手本忠臣蔵（かなでほんちゅうしんぐら）
市村
1859、安政０６

Signed Toyokuni ga, in toshidama cartouche (on each sheet)
豊国画(年玉枠)

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 9 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Koizumi Hori Kane (on right sheet), Hori Kane (on left sheet)
改印：未九改
彫師：小泉彫兼　彫兼

ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)

NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.