Ashiyuki (芦幸)

(R) Nakayama Itchô IV as Arida Mikinokami and Ôtani Tomoemon II as Horiguchi Genzaemon; (L) Kataoka Nizaemon VII as Tamiya Shinzaemon and Arashi Kitsusaburô II as Tamiya Genpachi in Katakiuchi noriai banari, Naka Theater, Osaka

Seal

Honsei (Honya Seishichi: 本屋清七)

3/1823

Format:
(H x W)

Ôban diptych nishiki-e
40.0 x 53.8 cm

Very good

Excellent color; very good condition (Untrimmed; unbacked; very minor creases along edges; a few stray marks)

$690 / Contact us to pay in yen (¥)

Order/Inquiry (Ref #ASY21)

Background

We have not yet located a text or synopsis for this play. It would appear to be one of the many katakiuchi mono (敵討物); also called adauchi kyôgen (revenge plays: 仇打ち狂言). These dramas featured samurai vendettas based on theatrical readings of bushidô (way of the warrior: 武士道). This code of honor posited a moral imperative in which samurai were compelled to avenge the killing of their masters, dynastic disputes, wrongdoings by villains, shameful insults from antagonists, and so on. Many involved self-sacrifice in order to exact vengence.

Design

The preservation of colors is excellent, and the size exceptional (with well-preserved margins).

摺り非常に良い、色彩最高級、保存状態良好（トリミングなし。裏打ちなし。ほんの僅かなシワが端に沿って見られる。２～３の小さなシミ。）

References: KNZ, no. 224; NKE, p. 4