Segawa Kikunojō III as Teruha
Medium
color woodblock print
Dimensions
32.4 × 14.6 cm
Classification
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Sundry Purchase Fund
Accession Number
1920.157
Tags
gender unknown
About this artwork
Men perform all the roles in Kabuki, a form of Japanese theater. Some actors specialize in onnagata (女形), or female roles. Segawa Kikunojō III was one of the most famous onnagata actors of his day. Here, he plays a character called Teruha in what was once the center print of a triptych (a composition of three prints). Teruha is officiating a wrestling match that also involves red and white roosters.