Actors Iwai Kumesaburô III as Hashimotoya Shiraito (R), Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as Suzuki Mondo (C), Ichikawa Dannosuke V as the Wife (Nyôbô) Oyaso, and Bandô Hikosaburô V as Wakatô Hikosuke (L)

「橋本屋白糸」三代目岩井粂三郎　　「寿々木主水」八代目片岡仁左衛門　　「女房お八十」五代目市川団之助、「わかとう彦助」五代目坂東彦三郎

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), 4th month

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

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 37.5 x 78 cm (14 3/4 x 30 11/16 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.21575, 11.21576, 11.22487

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionTriptych: 11.21575-6 (right, center), 11.22487 (left)

Play: Date Kurabe Okuni Kabuki
Theater: Nakamura
伊達競阿国歌舞妓（だてくらべおくにかぶき）
中村
1861、文久０１

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

Marks Censor's seal: Chicken 4 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Chô
改印：酉四改
彫師：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: 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.