Actors Segawa Kikunojo III and Bando Mitsugoro II

Maker(s)
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豊国 (1769-1825)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1798
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 38.8 x 26 cm (15 1/4 x 10 1/4 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.91
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

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

In this print, the famous and versatile actor Segawa Kikunojo III (1751-1810) plays a female role in a scene with the actor Bando Mitsugoro II (1741-1829). In Toyokuni's prints, actors in male and female roles are shown in full figure, thus focusing on the contrasting poses, expressions, and costumes through which they enacted various characters. Toyokuni's prints display careful composition, such as the judicious use of black accents that call attention to the contrasting demeanors of the serene, elegant lady at left and the unsettled, rough man at right.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 25, pp. 102-103.
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