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Chushingura: Act X of The Storehouse of Loyalty, late 1790s. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese
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Chushingura: Act X of The Storehouse of Loyalty, late 1790s. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese
Chushingura: Act X of The Storehouse of Loyalty, late 1790s. Stage Version The hero Gohei bravely plants himself on a chest of armor and weapons to prevent government officials from discovering them before they are smuggled out of the house. He holds off the officials by claiming that the chest contains personal belongings of the lady of the house. Exposing these items would bring her humiliation and dishonor. (See Chushingura: Perspective Picture for the " Treasure House of Loyalty" [1985.338.10].) Parody Print Utamaro converted this moment of lofty bravery into one of humor. A drunkard guards a cask of sake to prevent the maid from opening it
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Media ID 19626775
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1615 1868 1753 1806 Kitagawa Utamaro Kitagawa Utamaro Japanese Colour Woodblock Print
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a scene from "Chushingura: Act X of The Storehouse of Loyalty" a late 18th-century play. Created by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro, this image showcases the hero Gohei's courageous act to protect hidden armor and weapons from government officials. In an attempt to prevent their discovery before they can be smuggled out, Gohei fearlessly positions himself atop a chest containing these valuable items. In this particular interpretation, Utamaro adds his unique touch by transforming this moment of bravery into one infused with humor. Instead of Gohei, we see a drunkard guarding a cask of sake, determined to prevent the maid from opening it. This parody print offers a lighthearted twist on the original narrative while still capturing its essence. Utamaro's mastery is evident in his use of vibrant colors and intricate details that bring each character to life. The woodblock printing technique employed during Japan's Edo period further enhances the visual impact and adds depth to the composition. Preserved as part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, this heritage artwork exemplifies Utamaro's talent for storytelling through visual artistry. It serves as both an homage to traditional Japanese theater and an exploration of human emotions such as loyalty and humor.
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