Actors Onoe Kikugorô IV as the Mistress (Mekake) Okoyo (R), Bandô Hikosaburô V as Akogi Gennojô, Seki Sanjûrô III as Kajii Shuzen (C), Bandô Kamezô I as Settanaoshi Chôgo, and Bandô Matatarô VI as Koyagashira Kiroku (L)

「妾おこよ」四代目尾上菊五郎　　「阿古木源之丞」五代目坂東彦三郎、「梶井主膳」三代目関三十郎　　「せつた直し長吾」初代坂東亀蔵、「小家頭喜六」六代目坂東又太郎

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Izutsuya Shôkichi, Japanese
Blockcutter: Koizumi Kanegorô (Hori Kane) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1856 (Ansei 3), 3rd month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 36.1 x 76.4 cm (36.1 kg, 30 1/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44223a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Yume Musubu Chô ni Torioi
Theater: Ichimura
夢結蝶鳥追（ゆめむすぶちょうにとりおい）
市村

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

Marks Censor's seals: aratame, Dragon 3
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Kane
改印：改、辰三
彫師：彫兼

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.