Act 7 (Shichidanme), from the series "The Revenge of the Loyal Retainers (Chushingura)"

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Immediately following Lord Asano’s death, Kuranosuke—leader of the forty-seven retainers—made all swear to avenge him. Although they began to secretly search for Lord Kira, each feigned indifference to the event and continued with their everyday lives. Here, Kuranosuke attends a banquet at Ichiriki-ya, a teahouse served by courtesans. Also present is Kudayu, a spy for Lord Kira. To dispel Kudzu’s suspicions, Kuranosuke eats fish on the eve of the anniversary of Asano’s death—an act of great disrespect to his lord. Hiroshige does not include the well-known letter reading scene.

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