Actors Nakamura Fukusuke I as Yamanaka Shikanosuke, Nakamura Nakasuke II as Yashatarô (R), Arashi Kichisaburô III as Aiki Morinosuke (C), and Nakamura Tomijûrô II as Morinosuke's Wife (Tsuma) Sarashina (L)

「山中鹿之助」初代中村福助、「夜叉太郎」二代目中村仲助　「相木森之助」三代目嵐吉三郎　「森之助妻更科」二代目中村富十郎

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

Japanese

Edo period

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

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 37.4 x 77.7 cm (14 3/4 x 30 9/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44124a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Ehon Sarashina Monogatari
Theater: Ichimura
絵本更科譚（えほんさらしなものがたり）
市村
1854、嘉永０７、07閏20

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Tiger 7
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Take
改印：改、寅七
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.