Praying for Hits in the Waterfall of Answered Prayers: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII, Sawamura Tanosuke III, and Sawamura Tosshō II
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Subject Matter:
In this image, kabuki actors Ichimura Uzaemon XIII, Sawamura Tanosuke III, and Sawamura Tosshō II are standing underneath the "Waterfall of Answered Prayers". The Japanese title is an extended pun: arigataki (thankful), taki (waterfall), tsubo (goal, lit. container).
While this image depicts actors, the appearance of the actors hints at a play on popular culture. Though kabuki actors would not have tattoos, the figures in the water sport bold inked designs. This is likely a reference to the bravery and drama of firemen in Edo. Firemen during the Edo period wore reversible uniforms, which after a successful firefight, were turned inside out to present elaborate and colorful designs as they victoriously paraded through the streets. The firemen would often also have these designs tattooed on their torso. Due to the popularity and esteem that firemen gained among the merchant class, shops would sometimes sell jackets made of thin fabric that depicted popular firemen’s designs in order to mimic the intricate tattoos. Additionally, firemen were one of the subjects of kabuki plays and such coats were worn by kabuki actors playing the roles of firemen. In this triptych, the definition of the coat has disappeared, leaving the actors looking as if they were tattooed.
Print artists depicting firemen or actors playing firemen created increasingly detailed and bombastic tattoos in the print designs. Kabuki performances mimicked and tried to one-up these prints in their costuming. Coming full circle, the designs seen in prints and at performances inspired new designs for tattoo artists. The kabuki theater, prints, and tattoos were drawn into a cyclical relationship of borrowing from, attempting to surpass, and influencing each other.
Physical Description:
Three partially clothed men wade in hip-deep water. The back of a fourth man is visible on the left. All are elaborately tatooed over their backs and shoulders. They are in a cave, and the edge of a waterfall can be seen to the left. The man in the back is sprayed by the waterfall while ringing a bell with his left hand. The man in the foreground holds a sword up in his right hand.
This is the right portion of a triptych.
Inscriptions: To, Enhiko (Publisher's seal); i 3 aratame (Censor's seal); Toyokuni hitsu (Signature); Ōatari taigan jōju arigatakitsubo (Title)
Usage Rights:
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