Actors Azuma Ichinojô I as Shôbei's Wife (Nyôbô) Ofuji (R), Iwai Kumesaburô III as Seikichi's Wife (Nyôbô) Osayo (C), and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Oniazami Seikichi (L)

「正兵衛女房お藤」初代吾妻市之丞　「清吉女房おさよ」三代目岩井粂三郎　「鬼あさみ清吉」四代目市川小団次

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke (Kaijudô) (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Matsushima Masakichi (Hori Masa) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 2nd month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 38 x 76.4 cm (14 15/16 x 30 1/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44250a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Kosode Soga Azami no Ironui
Theater: Ichimura
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、02・05

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

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 2 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Horikô Masa (on center and left sheets)
改印：未弐改
彫師：彫工政

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.