Ochiai (Utagawa) Yoshiiku (1833-1904) Nakamura Shikan as Otaka Tadao, from the Chushingura, 1862. Oban.
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A print from the Chushingura, this time another minor character. Otaka Tadao was the stage name for Otaka Gengo one of the leaderless Ronin. The Chushingura (the revenge of the 47 leaderless retainers, or Ronin), is perhaps the most famous drama of kabuki theatre and the real historical characters are still revered today at their shrine and in films, books, plays and cartoons. The true story tells the suicide of Enya Hangan who in 1701 was forced to draw his sword in the Shogun’s palace by the goading of the courtier Moronao. Hangan is obliged to commit suicide for the offence and his retainers become Ronin, leaderless samurai. They vow revenge and the play revolves around their plotting and preparation, culminating in the storming of Moronao’s house and his eventual assassination. Censorship and contemporary sensitivities forced the theatres and playwrights to use different - although similar - names.
Otaka was a spy for the ronin and it was he who managed through a tale of deception to ascertain the date of 14th December for the assault on the compound because of a report that Moronao would be hosting a tea ceremony that night.
Regardless of plot, Yoshiiku plants Otaka firmly in the foreground against a background of silhouetted trees and building… the compound? Seemingly growing out of his body a further shadowy figure combines to create a single mysterious entity.
Colour, condition and impression are all fine.
Publisher Kagaya Kichiemon.
24.5cm x 36cm.
