The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Owata in the play "Taiheiki Shizunome Furisode," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1767

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century Japanese theater with Kitao Shigemasa's *The Actor Segawa Kikuno II as Owata in play "Taiheikiizunome Furisode* created in 1767. This color woodblock print captures the onnagata (female role specialist) Segawa Kikuno II in his role as Owata, performing at the prestigious Nakamura Theater in Edo (modern Tokyo) during the eleventh month. Shigemasa, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition, skillfully portrays the actor's expressive pose and elaborate costume, evoking the drama of this historical kabuki play drawn from the epic *Taiheiki* chronicles. Printed ...

About the Artist

Kitao Shigemasa · 1739–1820

Kitao Shigemasa (1739–1820), born in the bustling Nihonbashi district of Edo (modern Tokyo), emerged as a pivotal figure in ukiyo-e woodblock printing during Japan's Edo period. The eldest son of the bookseller Suharaya Mohei—from a lineage of publishers—Shigemasa, originally named Kitabatake Tarōkichi, was immersed in the world of printing from youth. Largely self-taught, he later studied under t...