Crossing Swords in the Pleasure Quarters: Nakamura Fukusuke IV (Nakamura Utaemon V) as a Maid
Toyohara Kunichika
Description
Subject Matter:
Actor Nakamura Fukusuke IV, also known as Nakamura Utaemon V, was born in Edo in 1866 and active in kabuki from 1877 until his death in 1940. He was known for his roles in jidaimono (period plays) and sewamono (contemporary plays). He was best known for his onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles and was called the best onnagata in the east and west (i.e. all of Japan).
Physical Description:
A woman is hunched over, her right hand on her lower back, and her left hand holding onto the top of a spool. She wears a pale striped robe over a layer of purple floral and red with a black sash around her waist. The bright blue robe of another person off the print is visible at the right edge.
This is the left panel of a triptych (with 2008/2.10B and 2008/2.10C).
Inscriptions: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (Artist's signature); Meiji 31 nen 10 gatsu 15 nichi insatsu dōgatsu 20 nichi hakko
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