Akasaka, 1855, 4th month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more P.75.51.309
Not on Viewexpand_more
Originally performed in China, manzai entertainment in Japan consisted of lively and often comical blessings sung to the accompaniment of the kotsuzumi, or small drum held on the shoulder. Traveling door to door at New Year, manzai dancers were welcomed at house and palace alike, where their exaggerated gestures, lighthearted puns, and felicitous exclamations of "Manzai! Manzai!" (long life, long life) were a source of great amusement. Here, the connection between Hiroshige's view of Akasaka and Kunisada's depiction of two manzai dancers is linked through the symbolism of the pine tree. Since pine trees live to great age, they became emblematic of longevity. Thus, one of the manzai dancers holds a fan decorated with pine trees. Playing off this idea, Hiroshige pictured Akasaka, renowned for its ancient pines.
Details
- Title
- Akasaka
- Artist Life
- 1786 - 1865
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.75.51.309
- Catalogue Raisonne
- S0432-037; T79-37
- 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.
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