The "Ninth Act" of the Chushingura cycle, produced in 1860, depicts the scene in which the ronin leader Yuranosuke prepares to leave Kyoto for Edo to complete the vendetta, bidding farewell to his rural retreat in a moment of austere resolution. The ninth act is one of the most emotionally complex in the entire cycle, balancing the personal cost of the vendetta against the warriors' unshakeable commitment. Yoshitoshi's early treatment of this scene shows his developing sensitivity to psychological drama.



1888
Color woodblock print; oban

n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Ninth Act was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in 1860, 5th lunar month.
Ninth Act depicts figures, kabuki, and warriors.
Ninth Act measures 15.9 × 23.7 cm (Oban format).