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The Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Koshō Hōsaku

Utagawa Kunisada

Artwork Details

The Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Koshō Hōsaku
1849
Utagawa Kunisada
woodblock print on paper
14 3/8 x 9 15/16 in. (36.6 x 25.3 cm)
Gift of Dr. James Hayes
2003/1.494.1

Description

Subject Matter:

Actor Nakamura Utaemon IV was born in 1796 and active from 1813 until his death in 1852. He was best known for his roles in period plays and good at tachiyaku (lead protagonist), jitsuaku (villain), and onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles.

Physical Description:

A barefoot man stands with one arm raised and the other holding a hoe behind him.  He is wearing plain robes and his head is covered in a blue cloth.  A spotlight illuminates the leaves behind him.

Inscriptions: Tsutaya, Kichizō (Publisher's seal); Mera/Murata (Censor's seal); Toyokuni (Signature); Koshō Hōsaku

This is the left panel of a triptych.

Usage Rights:

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