Act IV, from Treasury of the Loyal Retainers
c. 1801/02
Medium
Color woodblock print; oban
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
24036
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This is a gentle parody (mitate) of an imaginary scene from Act IV of the play. The inset at the upper right shows Kuranosuke, Lord Asano’s chamberlain and leader of the retainers, presenting a basket of flowers to Lady Kaoyo in condolence for her husband’s ritual suicide. The main image illustrates preparations for a moon-viewing party: pampas grasses and chrysanthemums are being arranged, and decorated sake bottles will be presented to the gods.
About the Artist
Kitagawa Utamaro · 1753–1806
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806) was one of the most celebrated masters of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, revolutionizing the art of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) during Japan's Edo period. Born Kitagawa Ichitaro, his early life remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts placing his birth in Kyoto, Osaka, Yoshiwara in Edo (modern Tokyo), or Kawagoe in Musashi Province. Under the t...