35 Utagawa Kuniyoshi 1798 – 1861 Asakura Tōgo and the Peasants’ Uprising

publisher: Kado

Left sheet: Ichikawa Ichizō III as Komasuke, Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Kyuzaemon, Ichikawa Kuzō II as Moriemon, center sheet: Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Asakura Murashōya Tōgo, right sheet: Sakata Sajūrō II as Iwakura Omomizu, Arashi Jitōhachi III as Goheita, and Ichikawa Hirogorō in an unidentified role

Kuniyoshi depicts a dynamic confrontation before the great gate in the kabuki play Higashiyama Sakura sōshi, choreographed as a crowded mêlée of peasants, townsmen, and armed figures. The triptych exemplifies Kuniyoshi’s theatrical style: bodies in diagonal tension, vigorous gestures, and sharply contrasted colours evoke movement and noise. At the same time, the work functions as a yakusha-e actor portrait set, with each performer identified in cartouches on the scene.