Act Three, from the series Chushingura

1830 - 1840
19th
9.09 in. x 13.9 in. (23.1 cm x 35.3 cm)

Utagawa Hiroshige (also called Ichiryusai Hiroshige; Andō Hiroshige), (1797–1858)

User Text 1 Act III, Honzo bribes Moronao through Bannai. Honzo continues to work on Wakasanosuke's behalf by circumventing a bloody confrontation between him and Moronao. He has divined the character of Moronao and determines that the best course of action is to buy the venal lord off. Here, he and a servant on the left present gifts in the form of scrolls and wrapped money pieces to the chief retainer of Moronao, Sagisaka Bannai. Bannai calms his retainers, who are suspicious of treachery, and accepts the offering. The result is that when Wakasanosuke does confront him, the evil Moronao is so effusive in his apologies for his behavior of the previous day that Wakasanosuke is deterred from his revenge. Honzo, happy for the moment that he has prevented bloodshed, will have cause to regret it later. By this time Kaoyo, Hangan's wife, has replied to Moronao's love letter, rejecting him utterly, and sending the reply back via her husband Hangan. Moronao then insults Hangan, to whom he had previously been friendly in hopes of seducing his wife. Hangan attacks Moronao, but is restrained by Honza, and Moronao escapes with only a slight wound. However, Hangan's action has grave results at court, where it is forbidden to draw a weapon.