Yamatoya (Iwai Hanshiro IV) from the Portraits of Actors Onstage series

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    1794
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Ink and color on paper
  • Dimension

    H x W: 38 x 24.7 cm (14 15/16 x 9 3/4 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1982.10
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1982.10

Object Details

  • Artist

    Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豊国 (1769-1825)
  • Publisher

    Sen'ichi han
  • Description

    In the cartouche in the upper right-hand corner of this print is the title identifying the series to which the design belongs: "Yakusha butai no sugata-e (Portraits of Actors on Stage)" followed by the "house-name" of the actor, "Yamatoya." The actor is depicted in three-quarter pose facing toward the proper left, while turning his head emphatically over his right shoulder. His costume, for a woman's role, consists of an outer kimono of purple over inner robes of pink, green, and deep orange-red. The obi (sash) is overprinted in black with a yellow pattern near the loose end. To the proper right of the figure is the signature, "Toyokuni-ga (picture by Toyokuni)," followed by the circular censor's seal, "kiwame," and the oblong publisher's seal, "Sen-ichi han." The background is printed in plain grey.
  • Inscriptions

    1. (A. Yonemura, 1982) [^j^] In the cartouche in the upper right-hand corner of this print is the title identifying the series to which the design belongs: "Yakusha butai no sugata-e (Portraits of Actors on Stage)" followed by the "house-name" of the actor, "Yamatoya."
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    The Floating World: Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints (December 8, 2002 to May 26, 2003)
    Japanese Theatre in the Edo Period (July 22, 1985 to October 15, 1985)
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Anonymous gift
  • Type

    Print
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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