Actors Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Sanza's brother Nagoya Sanpei (R), Bandô Kamezô I as the Thief (Tôzoku) Kojigokutarô (C), and Nakamura Shikan IV as Nagoya shita Sarujirô (L)

「山三弟名古屋山平」初代河原崎権十郎　「盗賊小地獄太郎」初代坂東亀蔵　「名古屋下猿次郎」四代目中村芝翫

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Itoya Shôbei (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Katada Chôjirô (Hori Chô) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1861 (Man'en 2/Bunkyû 1), 1st month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 35.4 x 73.3 cm (13 15/16 x 28 7/8 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44344a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Chiyo no Haru Tosa-e no Saya-ate
Theater: Ichimura
鶴春土佐画鞘当（ちよのはるとさえのさやあて）
市村
1861、文久０１

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

Marks Censor's seal: Chicken 1 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Horikô Fuka-Chô (on right sheet), Hori Chô (on center and left sheets)
改印：酉正改
彫師：彫工深長　彫長

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.