Ichikawa Komazō II (1764–1838) in the Role of Akaneya Hanshichi from the Play Hadesugata On'a Maiginu

Utagawa Toyokuni I Japanese

Not on view

This print shows the tension of a couple's hopeless relationship. The character of the courtesan Minoya Sankatsu holds the letter she and her lover Akaneya Hanshichi wrote to his family as part of their preparations for double suicide. Ichikawa Komazō II (Matsumoto Kōshirō V) played the role of Hanshichi, Nakayama Tomisaburō (1760–1819) the role of Sankatsu.

The artist Utagawa Toyokuni was especially adept at portraying actors.

Ichikawa Komazō II (1764–1838) in the Role of Akaneya Hanshichi from the Play Hadesugata On'a Maiginu, Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769–1825), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan

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