The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V in a “Shibaraku” Role

Maker(s)
Artist: Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 (1762-1819)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1790
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 32.1 x 14.2 cm (12 5/8 x 5 9/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.57
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

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

Ichikawa Danjuro V appears here in the distinctive costume of the "Shibaraku" role, which features a deep persimmon red robe with large, stiff sleeves, worn with long trousers that trail behind the actor. The family crest used by the Ichikawa Danjuro lineage amplifies the graphic power of the costume. A distinctive wig and dramatic kumadori makeup, which emphasizes the contours of the face, were also features of this role, in which the hero shouts "Shibaraku!" (<i>Wait a moment!<i>) as he marches onstage to save the victims and vanquish the villains with his giant sword. The stage curtain of the Kawarazaki Theater in Edo appears behind the actor in this portrait by Shun'ei, a talented and innovative follower of Shunsho.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 19, pp. 90-91.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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