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Kitagawa Utamaro

Act IV, from Treasury of the Loyal Retainers

c. 1801/02
Color woodblock print; oban

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This is a gentle parody ( mitate ) of an imaginary scene from Act IV of the play. The inset at the upper right shows Kuranosuke, Lord Asano’s chamberlain and leader of the retainers, presenting a basket of flowers to Lady Kaoyo in condolence for her husband’s ritual suicide. The main image illustrates preparations for a moon-viewing party: pampas grasses and chrysanthemums are being arranged, and decorated sake bottles will be presented to the gods.

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