The Eight Heroes of Bakin’s “Hakkenden”

(Satomi Hakkenden, 里見八犬傳)

Publisher: Ise-ya Chûsuke

1852

This series shows scenes from the kabuki play Satomi hakkenden, which was performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month of 1852. The series is listed as number 173 in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). These prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban.

	Description: Bandô Shuka I as Fushi Hime, the lady of Satomi, with Inuye Shimbei
	Description: Arashi Kichisabûrô III as Inuta Kobungo in priest’s robe with farmer Tanesaku behind him
	Description: Actor Seki Sanjûrô III as Inukawa Sosuke with bow and arrows
	Description: Arashi Kichisaburo III as Inuta Kobungo with his right hand raised up, standing over a fallen figure
	Description: Seki Sanjûrô III as Inukai Genpachi with a short sword in his mouth and a rope around his right shoulder
	Description: Sawamura Chôjûrô V as Inuzaka Keno (?) drawing his sword with geese flying across a full moon behind him
	Description: Bandô Shuka I as Inuzuka Shino holding his sword
	Description: Sawamura Chôjûrô V as Inuyama Dosetsu I am grateful to Marc Devriese for this image

“Robinson” indicates listing in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson, 1961, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

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