Who painted Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty?

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1794.

Where can I see Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty?

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty?

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty?

Museum-quality prints of Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1794

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Chushingura: Act V of The Storehouse of Loyalty, a print by Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1794), is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a serene scene with two women and a man in traditional attire, set against a backdrop featuring a tree and a building.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on the interaction between two women, one in a black kimono with a pink sash and the other in a green kimono with a brown sash, as they engage in an activity involving a basket and a rope. An inset shows a man in a white shirt and red pants, contextualizing the narrative within a known dramatic sequence, likely referencing a moment from the Chushingura tale of loyalty.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employs muted colors and a simple, balanced composition to evoke intimacy and quiet contemplation. The adherence to traditional Japanese clothing and motifs underscores the artwork's cultural and historical roots.

History & Provenance

Created around 1794, the print is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its acquisition history are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects Utamaro's engagement with ukiyo-e, a popular 18th-century Japanese art form, often used to illustrate scenes from literature, theater, and everyday life. The Chushingura story, a well-known tale of samurai loyalty, provides the narrative basis.

Legacy

As a representation of late 18th-century ukiyo-e, the print contributes to the understanding of Japanese artistic practices and the enduring appeal of the Chushingura narrative in art. Its presence in a major museum facilitates ongoing study and appreciation.