Actors in Imaginary Roles (Mitate): Sawamura Tanosuke III as Yaeume (R), Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Sasano Gonza (C), and Bandô Hikosaburô V as Shirai Gonpachi (L)

「見立八重梅　沢村田之助」（三代目）　「見立笹野権三　河原崎権十郎」（初代）　「見立白井権八　坂東彦三郎」（五代目）

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

Japanese

Edo period

1863 (Bunkyû 3), 1st month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 35.6 x 71.6 cm (14 x 28 3/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44352a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Tamakushige Akebono Soga
Theater: Nakamura
宝九字匣曙曽我（たまくしげあけぼのそが）
中村
1863、文久０３

Signed Ôju Nanajûnanasai Toyokuni hitsu (on each sheet)
応需七十七歳豊国筆

Marks Censor's seal: Boar 1 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Fuka Hori Chô (on right sheet), Hori Chô (on center and left sheets)
改印：亥正改
彫師：深彫長、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.