The Actor Kataoka Ichizo I as Nikki Danjo

Maker(s)
Artist: Toshikuni (fl. ca. 1816-1832)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1824-1825
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 37.1 x 26.2 cm (14 5/8 x 10 5/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.250
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
actor, Anne van Biema collection, Edo period (1615 - 1868), haiku, Japan, kabuki, oban, portrait, theater, ukiyo-e, yakusha-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Nikki Danjo is a villain in plays based on historical events concerning the Date family of Sendai and a dispute over its leadership in the late seventeenth century. Nikki Danjo was able to transform himself into a rat, the form he assumed to steal a document concerning the Date family succession. The first haiku (hokku) at the right was composed by the artist's teacher, Yoshikuni, who praises the actor by suggesting that his ability to project an acid wickedness is perfect for a villain role:

Just as a top-grade
persimmon should be-
slightly bitter!

The actor composed the second haiku. He modestly suggests that he is like an awase-gaki, a persimmon that has been stewed to drain it of acid, but is not genuinely sweet:


 . . . But a persimmon,
 even if drained of acid 
 isn't all that sweet!

Translation of poems by John T. Carpenter

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 53, pp. 158-159.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use