The actors Ichikawa Komazo III as Akuhachiro Tokikage and Nakayama Tomisaburo I as Yushide, the sister of Rokurozaemon, in the play "Hana to Mimasu Yoshino no Miyuki," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1798
Medium
Color woodblock print; oban
Dimensions
38 × 25.6 cm (14 15/16 × 10 1/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
24307
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with Utagawaokuni I's * actors Ichikawa Komazo as Akuhachiro Tokikage and Nak Tomisaburo I Yushide, the sister of Rokurozaemon, in the play "Hana to Mimasu Yoshino no Miy,"* created in 1798. This color woodblock print captures twouki stars mid-performance at the Nakamura Theater during the eleventh month, immortalizing their dramatic poses and elaborate costumes from a popular play blending romance and adventure. Toyokuni, a master of the Utagawa school and ukiyo-e tradition, excelled in yakusha-e—actor portraits that turned performers into cultu...
About the Artist
Utagawa Toyokuni I · 1777–1835
Japanese, 1777–1835