Chushingura: Act III of The Storehouse of Loyalty

1794

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Chushingura: Act III of The Storehouse of Loyalty is a 1794 by Kitagawa Utamaro, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Kitagawa Utamaro
When & what style?: 1794 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows a chaotic scene with five people in traditional Japanese clothing. One man swings a long pole, while others scramble—some kneel, others crouch. The colors are muted, mostly browns and blacks, with a few bright red accents like a hat and a fan. A smaller inset in the top right corner depicts two more figures, one holding a sword. The main scene looks like a moment of struggle or conflict, possibly from a play. The characters’ exaggerated expressions and poses suggest drama. If you like this style, check out Kitagawa Utamaro.