The Actors Mimasu Daigorō IV as Umako Daijin (right), Ichikawa Ebizō V as Umaya Daijin (center), and Jitsukawa Ensaburō as Prince Shōtoku (left)

Gosōtei Hirosada 五粽亭広貞 Japanese

Not on view

The play that inspired this triptych is loosely based on historical events that unfolded during the power struggle between two courtiers after the death of Emperor Yōmei in A.D. 587. Soga no Umako and Mononobe no Moriya (referred to in the play as Umako Daijin and Umaya Daijin respectively) clashed on who should succeed the deceased emperor. The violent quarrel resulted in Umako assassinating assassinating Moriya, with the intention of then replacing him with his own niece, Suiko, as empress. Concurring with historical fact, Empress Suiko’s brilliant nephew Prince Shōtoku was then appointed her regent.

The Actors Mimasu Daigorō IV as Umako Daijin (right), Ichikawa Ebizō V as Umaya Daijin (center), and Jitsukawa Ensaburō as Prince Shōtoku (left), Gosōtei Hirosada 五粽亭広貞 (Japanese, active ca. 1819–63), Triptych of woodblock prints (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, with metallic printing and embossing (karazuri); vertical chūban, Japan

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