The actor Bando Shuka I as Yaoya Oshichi (八百屋お七) and Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Kosho Kichiza (小性吉三). Original color woodblock print, published 1851, 5th month. Signed: Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga. Seal: Toshidama. Publisher: Enshuya Hikobei. Censor seal: Nanushi seals Kinugasa and Murata plus Shita-uri.
A scene (transfiguration of Oshichi) from the Kabuki play Koi Moyo Furisode Meoto, performed in the Ichimura-za-Theater. The piece dramatizes the story of Yaoya Oshichi and Kosho Kichisaburo, based on true events of the year 1682. In order to get back her lover, the 15 year-old Oshichi set off a fire in her parents home, which caused horrible destruction. Then she was sentenced to death and burned on the stake, while her lover spent his life praying for the peace of her soul.
OBAN 37,8 x 25,4 CM
From a Viennese private collection