Act IV, from Treasury of the Loyal Retainers

This is a gentle parody (mitate) of an imaginary scene from Act IV of the play. The inset at the upper right shows Kuranosuke, Lord Asano’s chamberlain and leader of the retainers, presenting a basket of flowers to Lady Kaoyo in condolence for her husband’s ritual suicide. The main image illustrates preparations for a moon-viewing party: pampas grasses and chrysanthemums are being arranged, and decorated sake bottles will be presented to the gods.