Utagawa Kuniume (1884) Original Japanese Woodblock Print Triptych - Kabuki Play: Sukeroku, Ukiyo-e, Meiji Period

This ukiyo-e is a kabuki triptych created by the artist Kuniume Utagawa (active approximately 1866–1883). 

Artist: Kuniume Utagawa, who was a pupil of the celebrated master Tsukioka Yoshitoshi.

Subject: The print depicts a scene from the famous kabuki play Sukeroku.

Date: It is dated to approximately 1884 (early Meiji period).

Publisher: Published by Onishi Shonosuke. 

The artwork is a yakusha-e (actor portrait), a popular genre of ukiyo-e that flourished during the Edo and Meiji periods, focusing on famous kabuki actors and theatrical scenes. Kuniume's work from this era often reflects the cultural shifts in Japan, combining classical training with the evolving theatrical settings of the Meiji period.

This ukiyo-e is a triptych by Kuniume Utagawa (active approx. 1866–1883), a student of the legendary master Yoshitoshi.

The Actors and Characters
This print is a yakusha-e (actor portrait) depicting a scene from the famous Kabuki play Sukeroku.

Sukeroku (Center): The ultimate Edo hero. He is actually a samurai in disguise who spends his time in the pleasure districts picking fights with other samurai to force them to draw their swords, hoping to find his family's stolen heirloom.

Agemaki: A high-ranking courtesan (oiran) and Sukeroku’s lover. She is known for her loyalty to him and her elaborate, magnificent costumes.

Ikyū: The antagonist, an elderly, wealthy samurai who also courts Agemaki and is suspected by Sukeroku of possessing the stolen sword.

Dimensions: 3 separated sheets, 36cm x 24cm ech sheet.