Ehon Chûshingura

(艶本忠臣蔵, Treasury of the Loyal Retainers)

1829

This two-volume series is based upon the famous kabuki play “Kanadehon Chûshingura”. The series is also known as “Chûshingura kôhen” (口吸心久莖後編), with “kôhen” meaning sequel, because its publication closely followed a similar work by Kunisada. Each page is approximately 8¾ by 6¹/₃ inches or 22 by 16 cm, a size known as hanshi-bon.

Prologue

Act 2

The same design as above (but a different state) with the flap in the left lower corner removed

Act 4

Act 5

Another state of the above design

Act 6

Act 7

Act 7, Scene 2

Act 8

Act 8, Scene 2

This print has a hidden signature. The towel on the screen is decorated with a white sale, reeds, and the kana character ト. This is a rebus for Kuniyoshi’s pseudonym, Hodoyoshi.

Act 8, Scene 3

Act 9

Act 9, Scene 2

Act 10

Act 11

Cover

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