Yoshitsune’s Letter from Koshigoe: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Gotobei
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Subject Matter:
Yoshitsune’s Letter from Koshigoe is part of the Heike-Genji cycle of plays recounting the wars featuring the two prominent warrior families, the Taira (Heike) and the Minamoto (Genji). This play references Minamoto Yoshitsune’s petition to his brother, Yoritomo, victor of the recent war with the Heike. The play also parodies events at the foundation of the Tokugawa shogunate at the beginning of the 17th century. In this parody, Yoritomo represents Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and Yoshitsune represents Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Shown here, 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 tachiyaku (lead protagonist), jitsuaku (villain), and onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles. In this print, he plays the role of Gotobei, one of Yoshitsune’s loyal retainers who is forced to choose between his son’s life or his loyalty to Yoshitsune.
Physical Description:
This print shows a warrior, seated on a low folding chair, facing forward in elaborate armor. He looks over his right shoulder. One hand is on his thigh, the other appears to be gesturing. The wall behind him is painted with plum blossoms. A sword is visible on his left side.
This is the right panel of a triptych.
Inscriptions: Tsutaya, Kichizō (Publisher's seal); Fuku/Muramatsu (Censor's seals); Toyokuni ga (Signature); Gotobei (undeciphered)
Usage Rights:
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