Sound of the Bit and the Colors of the Bridle: Sawamura Tanosuke III as Koshimoto Kozakura
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Subject Matter:
Actor Sawamura Tanosuke III was born into a family of kabuki actors in 1845. He was active from the time he was a child, in 1849. In the later part of his life he suffered from an unknown ailment that caused him to have both feet and parts of his hands amputated. In spite of his disability, he continued to perform until his death in 1878. He was best known for his onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles and for contemporary plays.
Physical Description:
In this print, a woman holds a sword in front of her. She wears a red robe with a green bottom. Behind her, a figure in a black robe with a white crest is visible. In the background is a frame and pulley. A tree stands out against the night sky.
This is the right panel of a diptych.
Inscriptions: Koshimoto Kōzakura, Sawamura Tanosuke (Title); Toyokuni ga (Artist's signature); Jūichi (Publisher's seal); Tori 5, aratame (Censor's seal)
Usage Rights:
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