Actors Kataoka Gadô II as Kameya Chûbei (R), Morita Kan'ya XI as Magoemon of Ninokuchi Village (Ninokuchi mura Magoemon) (C), and Iwai Kumesaburô III as Tsuchiya no Umegawa (L)

「亀屋忠兵衛」二代目片岡我童　「新口村孫右衛門」十一代目森田勘弥　「槌屋の梅川」三代目岩井粂三郎

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

Japanese

Edo period

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

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 36 x 74.4 cm (14 3/16 x 29 5/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44134a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.44134a-c, 11.44135a-c

Play (second feature): Koi Bikyaku Yamato Ôrai
Play (main feature): Hatsu Momiji Ogura no Nishiki
Theater: Nakamura
恋飛脚大和往来（こいびきゃくやまとおうらい）
初紅葉小倉色紙（はつもみじおぐらのしきし）
中村、二番目
1854、嘉永０７、08・25

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Tiger intercalary 7
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Take
改印：改、寅壬七
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.