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「菊寿の草摺」（きくじゅのくさずり）
Soga no Gorô and Maizuru, in the Dance Play "Chrysanthemum Armor-Pulling" (Kikuju no kusazuri)
「菊寿の草摺」（きくじゅのくさずり）
Katsukawa Shunkô II (Shunsen) (Japanese, 1762–about 1830)
Publisher: Iwatoya Kisaburô (Eirindô) (Japanese)
Publisher: Iwatoya Kisaburô (Eirindô) (Japanese)
Japanese
Edo period
1806 (Bunka 3), 8th month
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban; 35.6 x 22.7 cm (14 x 8 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.17983
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
DescriptionThe play Kikuju no kusazuri is a variant version of the armor-pulling scene in the story of the Soga Brothers, first performed in 1787 at the Kiri Theater in Edo. In the standard version, Soga no Gorô's friend Asahina (or Asaina) restrains the hot-blooded young warrior from rash action by pulling on his armor; in this dance version, Asahina is replaced by Maizuru, a female character.
The figures playing the roles appear to be not kabuki actors but young women, possibly geisha performing a skit in the Niwaka festival, or performers in a private theatrical.
Possibly from a related series: 11.20135, 11.20136
The figures playing the roles appear to be not kabuki actors but young women, possibly geisha performing a skit in the Niwaka festival, or performers in a private theatrical.
Possibly from a related series: 11.20135, 11.20136
Signed
Shunsen ga
春扇画
春扇画
Marks
Censor's seals: kiwame, Tiger 8
改印：極、寅八
改印：極、寅八
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
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.
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.