Toyokuni III (Kunisada) – Yotsuya Kaidan, the Onbō-bori Scene – Ōban Diptych, 1861 - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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This fair-condition Japanese woodblock-print Ōban diptych by Utagawa Toyokuni III depicts the Onbō-bori scene from Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan and dates to 1861, measuring 36 × 73 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni III (Utagawa Kunisada I, 1786–1865)
Title: Onbō-bori (隠亡堀), scene from Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan
Actors (named in cartouches):
– Kataoka Nizaemon (片岡仁左衛門) as Tamiya Iemon (民谷伊右衛門)
– Seki Sanjūrō (関三十郎) as Naosuke Gonbei (直助権兵衛)
– Bandō Hikosaburō (坂東彦三郎) as Satō Yomoshichi (佐藤与茂七)
Performance: Nakamura-za, Edo, 7th month of Bunkyū 1 (1861)
Date: Censor seal 酉六, 6th month of Bunkyū 1 (1861)
Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke (海老屋林之助)
Carver: Horikō Masa (彫工政), Matsushima Masakichi
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画), in toshidama cartouche on each sheet
Technique: Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban diptych, two sheets (not joined) each approx 36*24cm
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Condition: The prints are sold as antique. There is crease, scuff and wear to the sheets. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan by Tsuruya Nanboku IV premiered at the Nakamura-za in 1825 and became the best-known ghost play of the kabuki stage. It tells of the rōnin Tamiya Iemon, who betrays and poisons his wife Oiwa, and of her revenge from beyond death. The play is set in the world of the Chūshingura story of the forty-seven rōnin, which ties Iemon, Naosuke and Yomoshichi to the dispossessed retainers of the Enya house.
The Onbō-bori is the canal at Sunamura where Iemon is haunted by the bodies of Oiwa and the servant Kohei, nailed to either side of a wooden door. The act ends in a wordless scene in the dark between Iemon, Naosuke Gonbei and Satō Yomoshichi, the three characters named on this diptych. This design was issued for the summer 1861 revival at the Nakamura-za; ghost plays were traditionally staged in the summer months. The Japanese National Theatre (Kokuritsu Gekijō) holds a copy of this design, recorded as two sheets.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni III (Utagawa Kunisada I, 1786–1865)
Title: Onbō-bori (隠亡堀), scene from Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan
Actors (named in cartouches):
– Kataoka Nizaemon (片岡仁左衛門) as Tamiya Iemon (民谷伊右衛門)
– Seki Sanjūrō (関三十郎) as Naosuke Gonbei (直助権兵衛)
– Bandō Hikosaburō (坂東彦三郎) as Satō Yomoshichi (佐藤与茂七)
Performance: Nakamura-za, Edo, 7th month of Bunkyū 1 (1861)
Date: Censor seal 酉六, 6th month of Bunkyū 1 (1861)
Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke (海老屋林之助)
Carver: Horikō Masa (彫工政), Matsushima Masakichi
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画), in toshidama cartouche on each sheet
Technique: Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban diptych, two sheets (not joined) each approx 36*24cm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition: The prints are sold as antique. There is crease, scuff and wear to the sheets. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan by Tsuruya Nanboku IV premiered at the Nakamura-za in 1825 and became the best-known ghost play of the kabuki stage. It tells of the rōnin Tamiya Iemon, who betrays and poisons his wife Oiwa, and of her revenge from beyond death. The play is set in the world of the Chūshingura story of the forty-seven rōnin, which ties Iemon, Naosuke and Yomoshichi to the dispossessed retainers of the Enya house.
The Onbō-bori is the canal at Sunamura where Iemon is haunted by the bodies of Oiwa and the servant Kohei, nailed to either side of a wooden door. The act ends in a wordless scene in the dark between Iemon, Naosuke Gonbei and Satō Yomoshichi, the three characters named on this diptych. This design was issued for the summer 1861 revival at the Nakamura-za; ghost plays were traditionally staged in the summer months. The Japanese National Theatre (Kokuritsu Gekijō) holds a copy of this design, recorded as two sheets.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
73 cm
Title of artwork
Toyokuni III (Kunisada) – Yotsuya Kaidan, the Onbō-bori Scene – Ōban Diptych, 1861
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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