Pictures Associated with the Iroha Syllabary

(Iroha eawase, 伊呂波画合)

Publisher: Ise-ya Ichiemon

c. 1845

This series of fan prints (uchiwa) matches beautiful women with the acts of the play Kanadehon Chûshingura. Each print bears the seal of the censor Murata Sahei. I am grateful to Robert Pryor for his contributions to this section.

Act: 5

Main image: Beauty with umbrella

Inset: Yoichibei in the storm

Act: 7

Main image: Woman taking food from a serving tray

Inset: Yuranosuke is forced to eat taboo octopus on the anniversary of Enya’s death

Act: 10

Main image: Woman holding small child

Inset: Disguised ronin threaten Gihei as a test of his loyalty

Act: 11

Main image: Woman quieting a child with a piece of cloth over his mouth

Inset: Searching for Moronao in the charcoal store

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