1786-1865
Actors Kataoka Nizaemon as Akitsushima, Seki Sanjuro as gyoji [referee] Shokuro, and Bando Hikosaburo as Onigataki
signed Toyokuni ga with artist's Toshidama seal, combined censor and date seal Tori-kyu, aratame (year of the cock [1861], 9th lunar month, examined), and publisher's seal To, Horiecho, Ebrin of Ebiya Rinnosuke of Kaijudo
oban tate-e triptych 14 1/8 by 29 1/8 in., 35.8 by 74.1 cm
The actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII (1810-1863) in the role of the sumo wrestler Akitsushima, the actor Seki Sanjuro III (1805-1870) in the role of gyoji (referee) Shokuro, and the actor Bando Hikosaburo V (1832-1877) in the role of the sumo wrestler Onigataki from the play Sekitori Nidai no Shobuzuke, staged at the Nakamura Theater in Edo in 1861. A sekitori is a top level wrestler, who performs in one of the two highest professional divisions. The play regards a sumo wrestler who is tasked with throwing a bout to buy his lover's freedom from a house of assignation.
Reference:
British Museum, museum no. 1943,0410,0.7.68 (left sheet)
(inv. no. 10-3969)
price: Sold