"Sawamura Tanosuke II as Yae", 1816
Utagawa Toyokuni; Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburōexpand_more
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more P.75.51.126
Not on Viewexpand_more
With his distinctive almond eyes and full lips as seen here, Sawamura Tanosuke II was a rising onnagata (female impersonator) star when this print was made. Based on a play staged in the third lunar month of 1816, this fan print shows one of the last portraits of this promising actor, who died prematurely during the following year. He is shown in the role of the woman Yae. A pattern of cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) adorning his kimono's collar alludes to Yae's husband, Sakuramaru.
Details
- Title
- "Sawamura Tanosuke II as Yae"
- Artist Life
- 1769 - 1825
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.75.51.126
- Curator Approved
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