Series: The Meiji period (明治時代, Meiji-jidai)
Restoration: 1868 -1912

Category:                Women Warriors

Accession Number: DFJN.2022.WW001

Title (Original): 姉妹再会
Title: Shimai Saikai
Translated Title: Sisters Reunited

Artist (Original): 豊国III /国貞（1786 – 1864） 

Artist:  Toyokuni III / Kunisada (1786 – 1864)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and colour on paper
Signature: Unknown
Seal: Unknown
Publisher (Original): 表記無し
Publisher: Unknown
Engraver: Unknown
Publication Date: 1880

Acquisition Date: 19 /01 / 2022

Country of origin: Japan

Size: Vertical ōban. 14 1/8 x 9 7/8 (inches)

         
Condition: Excellent colour and detail. Three separate panels, paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few small tears at edges. Horizontal centre folds. A few small holes, and thinning spots. Creasing. Slight soiling, and rubbing at edges.

Attractive kabuki scene from the tale of two sisters, who are reunited to avenge the death of their father. At left, the young sister Shinobu has travelled to Edo from her country home in search of her long sister, who has become the beautiful courtesan Miyagino. After arriving at the At Daikokuya brothel, she meets her sister and tells her the sad news that the samurai Shiga has killed their father, and the pair agree to immediately seek out the murderer. The proprietor Soroku overhears them, but instead of trying to stop them, he encourages them to be like the Soga brothers and be patient.
          At right, Soroku looks up from a book, a stern expression on his face. Miyagino smiles at him fondly, tucking her hand into her obi. A kimono decorated with a scene of an iris garden is hung up at right, creating an interesting backdrop. From left, the actors Onoe Kikugoro V as Shinobu, Iwai Hanshiro VIII as Miyagino, and Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Daikokuya Soroku. A nice colourful design with large expressive figures.

See Kunisada's depiction of Shinobu Avenging Her Father’s Death

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