Actors Kataoka Gadô II as Ikoma Kôjirô (R), Ichikawa Dannosuke V as Jinpachi's Wife (Nyôbô) Okiku and Sawamura Yujirô I as the Kamuro Namie (C), and Iwai Kumesaburô III as Matsubaya Segawa (L)

「井駒幸次郎」二代目片岡我童　　「甚八女房お菊」五代目市川団之助、「禿浪江」初代沢村由次郎　　「松葉屋瀬川」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

1856 (Ansei 3), 4th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 34.4 x 75.5 cm (13 9/16 x 29 3/4 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44202a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionMFA impressions: *11.29245 (center sheet only; deaccessioned in 2019), 11.29259-61, 11.44202a-c

Play: Hitokanade Kodakara Soga
Theater: Nakamura
一曲奏子宝曽我（ひとかなでこだからそが）
中村
1856、安政０３

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Dragon 4
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Take
改印：改、辰四
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.