Act XI, Part 1: The Night Attack Advances, c. 1835-1839

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The complex Kabuki epic Chñshingura concludes in act 11, in which the forty-seven loyal retainers finally avenge the wrongful death of their lord. This print shows the men uniformly dressed crossing a bridge in the stealth of night as they make their way to the enemy's mansion. The snow-covered landscape of Hiroshige's design accords with the season when the true revenge took place. In the foreground, two samurais unload ladders, which will be used to scale the mansion's walls. In contrasting the warrior's dark silhouettes with snow covered bridge, Hiroshige skillfully created an ominous atmosphere that suggests the collective mental state of the vengeful warriors.

Details
Title
Act XI, Part 1: The Night Attack Advances
Artist Life
1797 - 1858
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.75.51.251
Catalogue Raisonne
Ukiyo-e shūka 14 (1981), Hiroshige list, p. 245, horizontal ōban #50.11
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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