Ridgepole-Raising Ceremony for the Three Theaters (Sanro jôtô no shiki): Actors Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I (R), Nakamura Shikan IV (C), and Sawamura Tanosuke III (L)

「三櫓上棟ノ式」　初代河原崎権十郎　四代目中村芝翫　三代目沢村田之助

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

Japanese

Edo period

1860 (Ansei 7/Man'en 1), 9th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 35.5 x 73.6 cm (14 x 29 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44325a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.29218-20, 11.44325a-c
見立

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

Marks Censor's seal: Monkey 9 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Take
改印：申九改
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.