Group Portrait of the 47

Artist Toyohara Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838 - 1912)

Datend

Place of ManufactureAsia

Mediumwoodcut; coloured inks

DimensionsOverall: 37.2 × 72.5 cm Image: 35.2 × 70.3 cm

ClassificationsFINE ART

Credit LinePurchased with fund from Gloria and Ian Back

Object number2013.007.002 a-c

Descriptiontriptych; group portrait of the famous 47 ronin, the heroes of the kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura." The warriors are shown wearing their trademark black and white dogtooth bordered robes over armor, most with white sashes tied around their heads. At left, a young samurai clenches the blade of his sword between his teeth as he fastens a sash around his waist. At bottom center, a gray-haired warrior looks up with a frown, a folding fan in his hand. At right, a ronin with red stage makeup grips an enormous wooden mallet over his shoulder. An inset in the form of a scroll unrolling includes the names of the faithful ronin who avenged their master's death, with the names of the actors next to each figure in a red or yellow box.

Status

Not on view