Alphabetical Tales of Glory and Decline: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Higuchi no Jirō Disguised as the Boatman Matsuemon
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Description
Subject Matter:
Alphabetical Tales of Glory and Decline (Hiragana Seisuiki) was originally written for bunraku puppet theater and first premiered in 1739. It is a dramatic telling of the Genpei Seisuiki, one of the medieval texts that gives the account of the twelfth-century battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans. This play focuses specifically on factional infighting among the Minamoto clan. Higuchi Jirō is the play’s hero. As one of Kiso Yoshinaka’s loyal retainers, his goal is to take revenge on Minamoto Yoshitsune, who defeated Yoshinaka. Jirō spends much of the play masquerading as the boatman Matsuemon.
Actor Nakamura Utaemon IV was born in 1796 and active from 1813 until his death in 1852. He was best known for his roles in period plays and good at tachiyaku (lead protagonist), jitsuaku (villain), and onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles.
Physical Description:
A man hunches over as he carries the end of an oar. He is barefoot and wears robes in several bright patterns. A sword is visible at his right hip. One of his legs is raised as if to take a step. The background behind him is water.
This is the center panel of a triptych (with 2011/2.193.1 and 2011/2.193.3).
Inscriptions: Sendō Matsuemon jitsu wa Higuchi no Jirō; Kuniyoshi ga (Artist's signature); To (Publisher's seal); Hama, Magome (Censor's seals)
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