Mirrors for Collage Pictures in the Modern Style: Sawamura Tanosuke III as Shinzō Nakoso
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Gallery Rotation Fall 2013
Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada)
Japan, 1786–1864
Modern Mirrors (Imayô Oshie Kagami): The Shinzô Nakoso
Edo period (1615–1868)
circa 1859
Color woodblock print on paper
Gift of Dr. James Hayes, 2003/1.488
Subject Matter:
This print shows actor Sawamura Tanosuke III who was born into a family of kabuki actors in 1845. He was active from the time he was a child, in 1849, until his death in 1878. He was best known for his onnagata—“female form” or “female role”—roles and for contemporary plays.
Physical Description:
A portrait of a woman is encircled by a black frame decorated with gold crests. Pieces of fabric around the frame give the appearance of depth. The woman is dressed in layers of colourful robes with her hands clasped in front of her. Long pins decorate her black hair. Lines of calligraphy decorate the background along with cartouches and texture.
Inscriptions: Imayō oshi-e kagami (Title); Shōrindō (Publisher's seal); Toyokuni ga (Artist's signature); Hitsuji 9, aratame (Censors' seal)
Usage Rights:
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