Comments - Triptych image of the night attack from the classic kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura," the story of the 47 ronin. Here, the loyal retainers assemble outside Moronao's palace as they prepare to attack. At right, Oboshi Yuranosuke, the leader of the ronin gestures with his tasseled command baton. He wears a horned battle helmet with his inverted comma crest on it, his swords at his side. His young son, Oboshi Rikiya stands in the center with his helmet in hand, also carrying a command baton. At left, one man tests a rope ladder against the side of the wall, while behind him, the ronin gather at the front gate, armed with an axe and a giant mallet to break down the doors. The men each wear the traditional black and white dogtooth bordered robes over their armor. In the background, the Ryogoku Bridge stretches over the Sumida River beneath the night sky, and a snow-cover pine tree frames the scene at left. A terrific illustration from this famous drama, and a rarely seen Hiroshige design.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 7/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Paper strips on reverse at sides from previous triptych attachment. A few small losses at edges, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing, a couple stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.