Artwork

忠臣蔵三段目|Chushingura Act III

忠臣蔵三段目|Chushingura Act III, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 1800
忠臣蔵三段目|Chushingura Act III, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 1800

忠臣蔵三段目|Chushingura Act III is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Chushingura Act III is a woodblock print created by Kitagawa Utamaro around 1800. It is a representation of a dramatic scene from a well-known narrative, executed in ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tumultuous moment involving five figures, with a man wielding a sword at another's back, while women react with fear and distress. The title references the story of the Forty-seven Ronin, a famous Japanese tale of loyalty and revenge.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's composition is characterized by bold lines and flat areas of color, effectively conveying the intensity of the scene. A smaller inset image adds an additional layer of narrative depth.

Artist & collection