Theater Going (Kangeki)
Oda Kazuma
Description
Subject Matter:
Oda Kazuma began his career by studying painting. While learning Western-style painting, he became interested in lithography. He was also influenced by his older brother, who was a lithography technician. While first associated with the Shin-hanga style, Oda Kazuma became deeply involved in the Creative Prints movement, or Sosaku-hanga, and in 1918 he was a founding member of Nihon Sosaku Hanga Kyokai. Oda Kazuma focused mostly on lithography, and his painterly style set him apart from his contemporaries. Oda Kazuma was particularly interested in portraying the developing urban landscape in Japan, such as this theater scene. (From: Fresh Impressions: Early Modern Japanese Prints)
Physical Description:
This print shows a seated audience at a theater. The three most visible figures wear kimono, the obi tied in the back, and kneel overlooking a balcony above the stage. The figures in the foreground are more clearly defined, the outlines of the figures in the background blend into one another to create a dark undefined area.
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.