Skip to main content

The Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Bandō Shūka I as Wife Shirayu

Utagawa Kunisada

Artwork Details

The Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Bandō Shūka I as Wife Shirayu
1849-1850
Utagawa Kunisada
woodblock print on paper
14 7/16 in x 10 in (36.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
Gift of Dr. James Hayes
2003/1.494.2

Description

Subject Matter:

Actor Bandō Shūka I also held the name Bandō Mitsugorō V. He was born in 1813 and active from 1824 until shortly before his death in 1854. He was known for both period and contemporary plays and for his portrayal of young onnagata, a word that means “female form” or “female role”.

Physical Description:

A woman wearing a multi-layered red robe looks over her shoulder at the legs and arm of a man off the print.  The woman has blue flowers in her hair, and her robe is decorated with orange flowers.  A spotlight illuminates the leaves behind her.

This is the center portion of a triptych.

Inscriptions: Okugata Shirayu; Tsutaya, Kichizō (Publisher's seal); Mera/Murata (Censor's seal); Toyokuni ga (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.