Actors Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Kô no Moronao and Nakamura Fukusuke I as Momoi Wakasanosuke, from the series The Heroes of the Storehouse of Loyal Retainers (Chûshingura meimei den)

「忠臣蔵銘々伝」　「高師直」四代目市川小団次、「桃井若狭之助」初代中村福助

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Uoya Eikichi (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Yokokawa Takejirô (Hori Take)

Japanese

Edo period

1855 (Ansei 2), 8th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban; 35.9 x 25 cm (14 1/8 x 9 13/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.43574

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Hare 8
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Take
改印：改、卯八
彫師：彫竹

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.