Actors Nakamura Fukusuke I as Hayano Kanpei (R) and Sawamura Tanosuke III as Hikotayû's Daughter (Musume) Okumi (L)

「早野勘平」初代中村福助　「彦太夫娘おくみ」三代目沢村田之助

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Kiya Sôjirô (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Koizumi Kanegorô (Hori Kane) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 5th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban diptych; 37.4 x 50.8 cm (14 3/4 x 20 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.21590-1

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionDiptych: 11.21590 (right), 11.21591 (left)

Play: Hana Ayame Iroha Jikki
Theater: Nakamura
花菖いろは実記（はなあやめいろはじっき）
中村
1859、安政０６

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

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 5 aratame
Blockcutter's marks: Koizumi Hori Kane (on right sheet), Hori Kane (on left sheet)
改印：未五改
彫師：彫兼　小泉彫兼

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.