Skip to main content

Iruma Mansion Kabuki Picture Book: Bandō Hikosaburō V as Lady Onoe and Onoe Kikugorō V as Palace Maid Hatsu

Toyohara Kunichika

Artwork Details

Iruma Mansion Kabuki Picture Book: Bandō Hikosaburō V as Lady Onoe and Onoe Kikugorō V as Palace Maid Hatsu
1874
Toyohara Kunichika
woodblock print on paper
14 3/8 in x 10 1/4 in (36.5 cm x 26 cm)
Gift of Dr. James Hayes
2003/1.417.3

Description

Subject Matter:

This play was only performed in 1874, and very little is known about it.  

Actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII also held the name Onoe Kikugorō V. He was born to a family of kabuki actors in Edo in 1844. He was active from the time he was a child, in 1848, until shortly before his death in 1903. He was known for his roles in contemporary plays and was the head of the Nakamura-za in 1869.

Actor Bandō Hikosaburō V was born in Edo (present-day Tokyo) in 1832. He was active from 1842 until his death in 1877. He was known for his skill at playing all roles and was particularly notable for his performances of budōgoto (martial arts), villains, and onnagata (“female form” or “female role”). He was considered to be the best actor in the three cities, Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Physical Description:

Two women face forward, the one in front looking up at the one behind her. The woman in the front is dressed in layers of elegant robes in white, red, and purple with orange crests. The woman behind her wears several layers of different colors. Her outer robe is orange and yellow plaid. An elaborate purple robe with large flowers and Chinese characters hangs behind them on a gold and black frame. The background is bright red.

This is the right panel of a triptych (with 2003/1.417.1 and 2003/1.417.2).

Inscriptions: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (Artist's signature)

 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.