Woodblock print from an incomplete diptych by Utagawa Kuniyasu (1794-1832) published by Uemura Yohei. The print depicts actor Segawa Kikunojō V as Okaru from the kabuki play, ‘Copybook of the Treasury of Loyal Retainers’ (Kanadehon Chūshingura 仮名手本忠臣蔵). The text at the top of the print provides the actor’s name and theatrical role: actor Segawa Kikunojō as Okaru. Kanadehon Chūshingura was staged at the Kawarazaki Theatre in Edo in the 8th lunar month of 1826. The date of this performance may provide an approximate date of the print’s publication.

The plot of Kanadehon Chūshingura is based on a real-life incident that occurred in 1703, when 47 retainers of Lord Asano Naganori of Akō domain avenged themselves on their dead master’s enemy, Kōzuke no Suke. After settling their vendetta, the retainers were arrested and ordered to commit ritual suicide. Playwrights, inspired by the scandal, quickly adapted the tale for the jōruri puppet theatres and kabuki theatres. Names of the key characters were altered to circumvent official censorship.

Utagawa Kuniyasu has captured Kikunojō cast in the onnagata role of Okaru, peering out from a palanquin. This scene occurs in Act 6 of Kanadehon Chūshingura when Okaru bids farewell to her husband Hayano Kanpei. Okaru has found a way to help Kanpei, who has been secretly trying to raise funds for the vendetta. Without knowing how the money will be spent, Okaru agrees to be sold to a brothel. Although the diptych is incomplete, the other panel probably shows a guilt-ridden Kanpei. This is the couple’s final parting, as later in this Act Kanpei commits suicide.

Segawa Kikunojō V (1802-1832) received his acting title in 1815, and in the same year became the leading female role specialist (J. tate onnagata) at the Kawarazaki Theatre. [1] Kikunojō also performed male roles, and achieved recognition as a versatile actor (J. kaneru yakusha).

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