Background
The Sôsen-ji (Sôzen Temple: 崇禅寺) in Higashi, Osaka was dedicated to the soul of Ashikaga Yoshinori (足利義教 1391-1441), the sixth shôgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, who was murdered in 1441 by Mitsusuke Akamatsu (赤松 満祐 1381-1441), unleashing political chaos that led to a peasant uprising known as the Kakitsu no tokusei ikki (Kakitsu Uprising: 嘉吉の徳政一揆), named after the era Kakitsu (嘉吉 Feb. 1441 – Feb. 1444). Yoshinori was an oppressive and dictatorial ruler who infuriated the Akamatsu clan by planning to award three of the provinces they controlled to a young Ashikaga heir. The Akamatsu arranged for his assassination during a Nô performance at an Akamatsu residence. The riding grounds of Sôzen-ji was located in a pine grove that extended from the temple's west gate to Sôja-jinja shrine.
The grounds were used for training in horseback riding. Katakiuchi Sôzenji baba (Revenge at the riding ground of Sôsen Temple: 敵討崇禅寺馬場) was based on an actual incident that took place at the site of the temple in 1715. In the theatrical puppet and kabuki adaptations, Enjô Jizaemon (遠城治左衛門) and Ando Kihachirô (安藤喜八郎) seek revenge upon Ikuta Denpachirô (生田伝八郎), who had murdered their brother. They confront him at the Sôzen-ji riding ground, but are killed by Ikuta Denpachirô (who enlisted the aid of many allies).
Katakiuchi Sôzenji baba was very popular with kabuki audiences and, among commoners, the grounds became strongly associated with the drama. However, the riding grounds have since been converted into land for housing, and the torii (Shinto shrine archway or gate with two cross beams at the top: 鳥居) has been moved elsewhere.
Design
In this dramatic composition, Hokushû has placed the villain of the play, Ikuta Denpachi(rô), on the center sheet, his sword drawn as he fights the two brothers, Enjô Jizaemon and Shundô Ikuhachirô [Ando Kihachirô]. The contrast established between Denpachi's black robes versus the white robes of the brothers balances this dynamic tableau, with all three protagonists also linked visually by their purple sashes. Hiding in the trees are eleven allies of Ikuta Denpachi who will leap to his aid to slay the would-be avengers. In clever fashion, Hokushû reveals three of the henchmen high up in the trees by showing only a leg or foot for each, and several weapons.
This is the first time we have been able to offer an impression of this fine design, whose colors are very well preserved. The blocks were carved by the celebrated Yama Kasuke who worked with Hokushû for many years and, indeed, even studied with the master artist around the time this triptych was published.
References: IKBYS-I, no. 151; WAS-IV, no. 183; MFA Boston (11.35406-8);
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