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Bando Takesaburo I (初代坂東竹三郎) as Ushiwaka (牛若) and Iwai Kumesaburo III (三代目岩井粂三郎) as Minaduru HIme (皆鶴姫, a princess Minaduru)

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Japanese colour woodblock print showing man and woman with chrysanthemums

Bando Takesaburo I (初代坂東竹三郎) as Ushiwaka (牛若) and Iwai Kumesaburo III (三代目岩井粂三郎) as Minaduru HIme (皆鶴姫, a princess Minaduru)

Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: 1854
Maker: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞)
Engraver: Hori-Take (彫竹)
Dimensions:
Image: 45 x 45 mm (4.5 x 4.5 cm)
Medium: O-ban Nishiki-e (大判錦絵, large-format coloured print)
Object number: O.11.8
DescriptionThis print is one from the series 'Go Sekku no Uchi (五節句之内, the Five Festivals)' published to celebrate the Choyo no Sekku (重陽の節句) to celebrate in Kikuduki (菊月, the ninth month).

The print depicts a scene from a Kabuki play in which the chrysanthemum flower plays a symbolic role in celebrating this festival. Probably a scene from a play 'Kiichi Hougen Sanryaku no Maki (鬼一法眼三略巻). It is the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (childhood name Ushiwaka), a real-life figure from the Kamakura period, and Princess Minazuru, who falls forbidden in love with him. In this Kabuki play, amidst the complex intertwining of their respective intentions, there is a scene in which the beautiful chrysanthemum loved by Princess Minazuru's elder brother Kiichi (鬼一) adorns the stage, specifically called 'Kikubatake (菊畑).