Title : Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga-no-Gorö

Artist : Katsukawa Shunsho

Date : c. 1781 - 1785

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : This print depicts a scene from the Tale of the Soga Brothers, a famous tale that has frequently been transformed into Kabuki plays. In the story, two young boys lose their father after he is murdered by his cousin, Kudö Suketsune, in 1177. Their mother remarries, and her new husband adopts the elder son, Jürö Sukenari. The younger boy, Gorö Tokimune (Soga no Gorö), depicted here, is sent to a Buddhist temple to become a monk. The two brothers never forget what happened to their father, and, seeking revenge, secretly train for years so that they will be ready when the time comes. One day, after reaching adulthood, they discover Kudö Suketsune in a hunting camp near Mount Fuji, and kill him. An altercation with Kudo's retainers follows, in which Jürö dies and Gorö is captured and later executed. In the Kabuki version of this tale, the death of the Soga brothers brings about a positive outcome, for the Shogun Yoritomo honors the brothers by returning their dead father's estate to their mother. (from “Capturing Actor’s Spirit / Shunshö” exhibition 1/15/2009-)

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