Actors Iwai Kumesaburô III as Ojô Kichiza (R), Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Oshô Kichiza, Asao Yoroku II as Kamaya Buhei (C), and Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Obô Kichiza (L)

「おぜう吉三」三代目岩井粂三郎　　「おしやう吉三」四代目市川小団次、「釜屋武兵衛」二代目浅尾与六　　「おぼう吉三」初代河原崎権十郎

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

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 12th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 37.8 x 75.2 cm (14 7/8 x 29 5/8 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44227a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Sannin Kichiza Kuruwa no Hatsugai
Theater: Ichimura
三人吉三廓初買（さんにんきちさくるわのはつがい）
市村
1860、安政０７

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

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 12 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Hori Take (on right and center sheets), Yokokawa Hori Take (on left sheet)
改印：未十二改
彫師：彫竹　横川彫竹

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.