A Shuihuzhuan of Beautiful and Brave Women (Kayûjo Suikoden): Actors Bandô Hikosaburô V, Onoe Kikugorô V, Sawamura Tosshô II (R), Ôtani Tomoemon V, Sawamura Tanosuke III, Iwai Shijaku II, Nakamura Shikan IV (C), Kawarazaki Gonnosuke VII, Bandô Mitsugorô VI, and Ichikawa Kuzô III (L)

「花勇女水滸傳」　五代目坂東彦三郎、五代目尾上菊五郎、二代目沢村訥升　　五代目大谷友右衛門、三代目沢村田之助、二代目岩井紫若、四代目中村芝翫　　七代目河原崎権之助、六代目坂東三津五郎、三代目市川九蔵

Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835–1900)
Publisher: Gusokuya Kahei (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Ôta Masukichi (Hori Masu) (Japanese)

Japanese

Meiji era

1869 (Meiji 2), 6th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 36.1 x 74.8 cm (14 3/16 x 29 7/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.21461-3

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

Catalogue Raisonné Waseda db 403-0111 (L), 403-0112 (C), 403-0113 (R)

DescriptionTriptych: 11.21461 (left), 11.21462 (center), 11.21463 (right)

Signed Ôju Kunichika hitsu (on left sheet)
応需国周筆

Marks Censor's seal: Snake 6 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Ôta Hori Masu
Artist's seals: Stylized flower, toshidama
改印：巳六改
彫師：太田彫升

ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 – d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)

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.