Actors Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Seishin, a Monk of Gokuraku-ji Temple (Gokuraku shoke) (R), Seki Sanjûrô III as Tsukioka Hakuren (C), Iwai Kumesaburô III as Shinzô Izayoi, and Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Yotsudeami no Gon (L)

「極楽寺所化清心」四代目市川小団次　「月岡白蓮」三代目関三十郎　「新造十六夜」三代目岩井粂三郎、「四つ手網の権」初代河原崎権十郎

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

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 1st month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 38 x 75.7 cm (14 15/16 x 29 13/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44237a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Kosode Soga Azami no Ironui
Theater: Icbhimura
小袖曽我薊色縫（こそでそがあざみのいろぬい）
市村
1859、安政０６

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

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 1 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Hori Take (on right and left sheets), Yokokawa Hori Take (C)
改印：未正改
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.