Actors Nakamura Fukusuke I as Miyagi Asojirô, Seki Sanjûrô III as Fujiya Tokuemon (R), and Onoe Kikujirô II as the Blind Minstrel (Goze) Asagao (L)

「宮城阿曽次郎」初代中村福助、「藤屋徳右衛門」三代目関三十郎　　「瞽女朝皃」二代目尾上菊次郎

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Aritaya Seiemon (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Sugawa Sennosuke (Hori Sennosuke) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1855 (Ansei 2), 7th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban diptych; 35.3 x 48.6 cm (13 7/8 x 19 1/8 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.43733a-b

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Asagao Monogatari
Play: Torimazete Mitate Kendai
Theater: Ichimura
蕣物語（あさがおものがたり）
機臨衆目視歌案（とりまぜてみたてけんだい）
市村
1855、安政０２

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Hare 7
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Sen
改印：改、卯七
彫師：ホリ千

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.