First Snowfall on the Lovers’ Journey to His Hometown: Bandō Kōsaburō IV as Magoemon
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Subject Matter:
The Lovers’ Journey stories are based off of the puppy-play Meido no hikyaku, known as Courier for Hell, by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. It is the story of the lovers Chūbei, a courier, and Umegawa, a courtesan from the Shinmachi entertainment district. Chūbei uses his customers’ money to pay off Umegawa’s debt, and the two run away to his home town to escape punishment. There they die in the mountains. Often, the kabuki play took on a different scenery and title depending on the season in which it was performed.
Physical Description:
The man in the front wears a blue robe with brown stoles. He carries a red umbrella in both hands. Behind and above him are two men wearing blue stoles over black robes. Both men hold instruments.
This is a ccenter piece of a triptych (with 2003/1.473.1 and 2003/1.473.3).
Inscriptions: Magoemon; Toyokuni ga (Artist's siganture); hori take (Carver's seal); Kichi, Isekane (Publisher's seal); aratame, tora 9 (Censor's seals)
Usage Rights:
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