- Provenance
- Provenance research underway.
- Label
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Ko no Moronao is the villain who represents the historical character Kira Yoshinaka (1641-1703) in the kabuki plays based on the story of the forty-seven ronin (masterless samurai) who avenged their master's death by killing Kira in a surprise night attack. The great actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Moronao wears robes with long, trailing trousers that were worn by warriors for formal occasions, such as ceremonies in the shogun's castle. The voluminous form of the costume leads the viewer toward the face of the actor, which is frozen in an expression that projects his anger and arrogance. His bulging eyes, highlighted by red makeup, are characteristic of mie, frozen poses featuring exaggerated expressions that are struck at critical dramatic moments.
- Published References
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- Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 32, pp. 116-117.
- Collection Area(s)
- Japanese Art
- Web Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- SI Usage Statement
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CC0 - Creative Commons (CC0 1.0)
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Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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International Image Interoperability Framework
FS-7443_01