Actor Arashi Ryūzō II as Teraoka Heiemon, 1795, 4th lunar month

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Illustrating a scene from act 7 of Chūshingura, this print shows the actor Arashi Ryūzō II in the role of Heiemon performed at Edo's Miyako Theater in the 4th month of 1795. Heiemon is a foot soldier of the late lord Enya. When he finds out that his sister Okaru has accidentally read a letter about the plot to avenge his master, he decides that he must kill Okaru to protect the secret. Moved by Heiemon's self-sacrifice and loyalty, Yuranosuke, the mastermind of the revenge plan, spares Okaru and allows Heiemon to join the vendetta. Appearing only in act 7, Heiemon is a rather minor character. Nonetheless, Kabuki fans have long loved this character of an honorable man with a humble background.

Details
Title
Actor Arashi Ryūzō II as Teraoka Heiemon
Artist Life
1762 - 1819
Role
Artist
Accession Number
74.1.120
Curator Approved

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