Who created "Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman"?

Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman was created by Okumura Toshinobu in ca. 1730.

When was "Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1730.

What medium is "Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman"?

Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman is Woodblock print (urushi-e); ink and color on paper.

Is "Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman" in the public domain?

Yes, Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman

Okumura Toshinobu

ca. 1730

Medium

Woodblock print (urushi-e); ink and color on paper

Dimensions

H. 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)

Classification

Prints

Culture & Period

Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)

Department

Asian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929

Accession Number

JP1607

Tags

FansHatsWomenActors

Art Historical Context

This vibrant woodblock print, titledActor Sanjo Kantaro1697–1763) as a Woman*, was created around 1730 by Okumura Toshinobu, a Japanese artist of the Edo period (1615–1868). Toshinobu captures the kabuki star Sanjo Kantaro I in the graceful guise of an onnagata male actor specializing in female roles, a hallmark of kabuki theater's all-male tradition. Adorned with an elaborate hat and fan, Kantaro's poised figure exudes elegance, reflecting the "floating world" (ukiyo) culture of urban pleasure and performance in 18th-century Japan. Printed in the innovative urushi-e technique—using glue (uru...

About the Artist

Okumura Toshinobu · 1690–1770

active ca. 1717–1750

Actor Sanjo Kantaro (1697–1763) as a Woman

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