Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞) / Toyokuni III (三代豊国) (artist 1786 – 01/12/1865)
Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I (河原崎権十郎) as the rōnin Yaegaki Monzō (浪人八重垣紋三) on the right and Sawamura Tosshō II (沢村訥升) as Kageyama Shigenojō (蔭山繁の丞)
02/1859
19.5 in x 14.25 in (Overall dimensions) color woodblock print
Waseda University - right panel
Waseda University - left panel
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - listed as artist unknown This ōban diptych is unusual in that it is unsigned and has no censor or date seals. Waseda University says that it is by Toyokuni III, but the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston says it is anonymous.
This diptych is believed to commemorate a performance of Kosode Soga azami no Ironui (小袖曾我薊色縫) at the Ichimura-za in 2/1859.
In the curatorial files for a different diptych in the British Museum it says:" ‘Kosode Soga azami no ironui’ (小袖曽我薊色縫, also called ‘Sato moyo azami no ironui’ 花街模様薊色縫, commonly known as ‘Izayoi Seishin’ 十六夜清心) by Kawatake Mokuami, performed at the Ichimura-za from the 5th of the 2nd month, 1859 (Ansei 6)."
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The original encounter of these two protagonists was part of a play, but eventually became a separate dance performance of the Saya-ate or 'Scabbards clashing' scene. In it Fuwa Banzaemon carrying his special sword called Thunder passes Nagoya Sanzaburō with his own sword 'The Amorous Swallows'. Neither man is supposed to be carrying a weapon within the Yoshiwara district. Both are wearing straw hats to disguise their true identies. However, as they pass each other their swords hit one another, they raise their hats and realize who the other man is. They are both suitors for the same courtesan, Katsuragi.
Both men wear identifying outfits: one covered in swallows soaring through the air in a rainstorm and the other in a robe covered with lightning bolts and dark, ominous clouds. However, by the time that this diptych in the Lyon Collection the costuming had been changed, but the motif were basically the same.
actor prints (yakusha-e - 役者絵) (genre)
Sawamura Tosshō II (二代目沢村訥升: 1/1854 to 4/1879) (actor)
Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I (初代河原崎権十郎: 9/1852 to 2/1869) (actor)