Actor Sanjō Kantarō II as Yaoya Oshichi, 1718
Okumura Toshinobu; Publisher: Masuyaexpand_more
Woodblock print (urushi-e); ink on paper, with hand-applied color and nikawaexpand_more
Bequest of Richard P. Galeexpand_more 74.1.53
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Kabuki actor Sanjō Kantarō II (1702–63) is depicted here in the female role of Yaoya Oshichi. Oshichi was burned at the stake after committing arson in a misguided ploy to be reunited with her lover. This composition shows Oshichi joyfully dressing her hair and suggests nothing of the terrible fate that will befall her.
When Toshinobu designed this print, Sanjō Kantarō was at the height of his career as an onnagata, an actor specializing in female roles. His family crest, a butterfly in a circle, decorates Oshichi’s right sleeve and the mirror stand. The other crest on the mirror stand, in the shape of a folded letter, is that of Arashi Kiyosaburō, who first popularized the role of Oshichi in 1709. It became customary for actors who played Oshichi to wear Kiyosaburō’s crest in addition to their own, as a tribute to him.
Details
- Title
- Actor Sanjō Kantarō II as Yaoya Oshichi
- Artist Life
- fl. c.1717-1750
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 74.1.53
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.