Dances Representing the Five Festivals (Odori keiyô mitate gosekku): Actors Nakamura Utaemon IV for the 1st Month (Mutsuki), Suketakaya Takasuke III for the 3rd Month (Yayoi) (R), Ichikawa Danjûrô VIII for the 5th Month (Satsuki) (C), Ichimura Uzaemon XII for the 7th Month (Tanabata), and Matsumoto Kôshirô VI for the 9th Month (Chôyô) (L)

「踊形容見立五節句」「睦月」四代目中村歌右衛門、「弥生」三代目助高屋高助　　「皐月」八代目市川団十郎　　「重陽」六代目松本幸四郎　「七夕」、十二代目市村羽左衛門

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Kagaya Kichiemon (Kichibei) (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Hori Sashichi (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1854 (Kaei 7/Ansei 1), 9th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 35.6 x 73.6 cm (14 x 29 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44118a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.29051VR (11.29051, 11.29052, 11.29753), 11.44118a-c
見立

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Tiger 9
Blockcutter's mark: Sashichi koku (on center sheet)
改印：改、寅九
彫師：佐七刻

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.