Actors Sawamura Tanosuke III as a Geisha, actually the Female Jiraiya (Onna Jiraiya) (R), and Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Orochimaru (Disguised as the) Boatman (Sendô) Tatsu (L)

「芸や女房実ハ女児雷也」三代目沢村田之助　　「大蛇丸船頭辰」四代目市村家橘

Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835–1900)
Publisher: Iseya Rihei (Kinjudô) (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Ôta Komakichi (Hori Koma, Hori Tashichi) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1867 (Keiô 3), 1st month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban diptych; 35.8 × 48.9 cm (14 1/8 × 19 1/4 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.41637a-b

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

Catalogue Raisonné Waseda db 101-1359 (R), 101-1360 (L)

DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.41599a-b, 11.41637a-b

Play: Keisei Soga Kuruwa Kagami
Theater: Ichimura
契情曽我廓亀鑑（けいせいそがくるわかがみ）
市村

Signed Kunichika hitsu (on each sheet)
国周筆

Marks Censor's seal: Hare 1 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Ôta Hori Koma
改印：卯正改
彫師：太田彫駒

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.