The actors Kataoka Nizaemon VII as Iyo no Taro and Iwai Hanshiro IV as Kojoro-gitsune of Okazaki in the play "Seiwa Nidai Oyose Genji," performed at the Miyako Theater in the eleventh month, 1796
Medium
Color woodblock print; oban
Dimensions
37.4 × 25.2 cm (14 11/16 × 9 15/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
24288
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with Utagawa Toyokuni's 1796 color woodblock print, *The actors Kataoka Niza VII as Iyo no Taro and Iwai Hansiro IV as Kojoro-gitsune of Okazaki*. This oban-sized yakusha-e (actor portrait) captures two kabuki stars in dynamic poses from the historical drama *Seiwa Nidai Oyose Genji*, at Kyoto's Miyako Theater in the eleventh lunar month. Toyokuni I, a master of the Utagawa school and pioneer of expressive actor prints, immortalizes their elaborate costumes and makeup, evoking the theatrical energy that enthralled audiences. Printed on a grand 3...
About the Artist
Utagawa Toyokuni I · 1777–1835
Japanese, 1777–1835