Utagawa Kuniyoshi

1797-1861

Ariomaru, Kameomaru, Shunkan, Oyasu
(Ariomaru, Kameomaru, Shunkan, Oyasu)

swordfight in a snowy landscape; signed Ichiryusai Kuniyoshi ga, with artist's Kiri seal, publisher's seal Naka, Hon Yon Tanhan (Tanbaya Hanjiro), and censor's seal Watari (Watanabe Shoemon), ca. 1845

oban tate-e triptych 29 3/8 by 14 3/8 in., 74.7 by 36.5 cm

This triptych illustrates a scene from the play Hime Komatsu nenohi no asobi (Outing to Pick Pine Seedlings on the Rat Day of the New Year) by the playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon. The story has its origins in 1177, when the historical monk Shunkan was exiled to the island of Kikaigashima for his role in a failed coup against Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181). In the Heike monogatari (The Tale of the Heike), his dutiful disciple Ario comes to Kikaigashima when it becomes evident that Shunkan will not receive a pardon. Ario arrives in time to lay the old monk to rest. The story was adapted to Noh theater in the play Shunkan, and later to bunraku and kabuki productions.

In the kabuki play Hime komatsu, Shunkan escapes the island to protect the Emperor's pregnant concubine, Kogo no Tsubone, but accidentally reveals his identity to the local midwife, Oyasu. In this version of the tale, the name Ario is adapted to Ariomaru, and he and Shunkan conspire to keep Oyasu safe from the brave warrior Kameomaru. In the composition, Shunkan and Oyasu watch Ariomaru fight back the warrior Kameomaru.

Reference:
Basil Stewart, A Guide to Japanese Prints and Their Subject Matter, 1979, p. 311

(inv. no. 10-2272)

price: Sold