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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork

Chushingura: Act X of The Storehouse of Loyalty

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1794

Chushingura: Act X 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 X of The Storehouse of Loyalty is a print depicting a pivotal moment of bravery and cunning from the renowned Japanese tale Chushingura. The scene showcases the hero Gohei's strategic defense of a concealed chest.

Subject & Meaning

Gohei stands resolute on a chest of smuggled armor and weapons, devising a clever ruse to deter inquiring government officials. By claiming the chest contains the lady of the house's personal belongings, he safeguards her honor and the group's mission, highlighting themes of loyalty and quick-witted sacrifice.

Technique & Style

Originally a dramatic scene, the composition was reinterpreted in a parody print by Kitagawa Utamaro, transforming the moment into a humorous scenario where a drunkard protects a sake cask from a maid, contrasting the seriousness of the original with comedic elements.

Context

This artwork emerges from the Edo period in Japan, a time when stories of loyalty and honor, like Chushingura, were highly popular, influencing various art forms and stage productions.

Legacy

The piece, alongside Utamaro's parody, demonstrates the versatile interpretation of Chushingura's themes across different mediums, contributing to the tale's enduring presence in Japanese cultural heritage.