Actors Iwai Kumesaburô III as Ojô Kichiza (R), Kawarazaki Gonjûrô I as Obô Kichiza (C), and Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Oshô Kichiza (L)

「おぜう吉三」三代目岩井粂三郎　　「おぼう吉三」初代河原崎権十郎　　「おしやう吉三」四代目市川小団次

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Publisher: Kiya Sôjirô (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Koizumi Kanegorô (Hori Kane) (Japanese)

Japanese

Edo period

1859 (Ansei 6), 12th month

Medium/Technique Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper

Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 36.2 x 75.6 cm (14 1/4 x 29 3/4 in.)

Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession Number11.44236a-c

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

DescriptionPlay: Sannin Kichiza Kuruwa no Hatsugai
Theater: Ichimura
三人吉三廓初買（さんにんきちさくるわのはつがい）
市村
1860、安政０７

Signed Toyokuni ga, in toshidama cartouche (on each sheet)
豊国画(年玉枠)

Marks Censor's seal: Goat 12 aratame
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Kane (on left and right sheets), Koizumi Hori Kane (on center sheet)
改印：未十二改
彫師：彫兼　小泉彫兼

ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)

NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.