3-079-670 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Kanadehon Chushingura, 1860. This print is probably the central panel of a triptych, depicting the second chapter of the play 'Kanadehon Chushingura'. The theme of the play is the vengeance of forty seven samurai warriors, which is still extremely popular among Japanese audiences. The figure in the top plays the role of Momonoi Wakasanosuke (inscribed in yellow area at the top) who is clad in blue, the colour of youth and justice. In this scene he is depicted wreaking vengeance, having been insulted by a villainous figure in the previous chapter. The middle figure is a Momonoi's chief retainer, Kakogawa Honzou, who agrees to his master's will. Kakogawa is cutting off a branch of pine, wishing their success of revenge.