323 - Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) Actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Ishikawa Goemon and Seki Kasuke as his son Gorôichi A dramatic scene from the kabuki play “Ishikawa Goemon Condemned to the Cauldron Torture ” (Konoshita Soga Megumi no Masagoji), depicting the bandit Ishikawa Goemon about to be boiled alive in the cauldron located at the bottom right. After attempting to assassinate the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Goemon was sentenced to death by boiling, along with his son. Here, he clutches his son Goroichi under his arm, his face etched with anguish as smoke and steam rise from the cauldron, in a desperate effort to save the boy. A striking image featuring Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Goemon and Seki Kasuke as Goroichi. Woodblock print Signed: “Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga” on the left side of the print, followed by the artist’s red “kiri” seal Period: Edo (1851 – Kaei 4) Seals: round nanushi seals by Hama and Magomi Publisher: unidentified Format: Oban tate-e Fresh colors. Small missing areas. Slight soiling. Tear at the top.