Skip to main content

Unidentified Play: Bando Shūka I as Fujiya Azuma

Utagawa Kunisada

Artwork Details

Unidentified Play: Bando Shūka I as Fujiya Azuma
1839
Utagawa Kunisada
woodblock print on paper
14 11/16 in x 10 1/16 in (37.3 cm x 25.5 cm)
Gift of Dr. James Hayes
2003/1.437

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:

The woman in this print squats among the tall grasses and flowers. She wears a brown robe that fades into blue with pictures of moths at the bottom. Her hair is elaborately decorated. In her right hand she holds out an open fan.
 
Inscriptions: Kuni (Artist’s signature, faded) Kichi (Publisher’s seal); kiwame (Censor’s seal); Fujiya Atsuma, Bandō Shūka

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.