The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV

Object Details

• Artist

  Katsukawa Shunsho 勝川春章 (1726-1792)

• Label

  In a dance pose, Iwai Hanshiro IV (1747-1800), who became one of the most accomplished onnagata of the late eighteenth century, displays his skill in creating the illusion of feminine grace. He draws his long kimono sleeve across his body in a graceful gesture as he assumes the curving, lateral posture that softens and minimizes the appearance of his male body beneath the costume, makeup, and wig. Draped behind him is the white overcloak that was worn by high-ranking women while traveling. Shunsho's skill in realistic portraiture can be seen in the portrayal of the plump face and figure of the actor who was nicknamed Otafuku Hanshiro after the voluptuous popular goddess, Otafuku.

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection (September 15, 2002 to January 9, 2003)

• Origin

  Japan

• Credit Line

  The Anne van Biema Collection

• Type

  Print

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1700s, 1710s, 1720s, 1770s, 1780s, 1790s, 1730s, 1740s, 1750s, 1760s, 1800s, 1810s, 1820s, 1830s, 1610s, 1650s, 1640s, 1630s, 1620s, 1690s, 1840s, 1680s, 1850s, 1670s, 1860s, 1660s

• Name

  Katsukawa, Shunsho

• Place

  Japan

• Topic

  Theater, Yakusha-e, Art, Actors and actresses, Edo period, Japan, (1600 - 1868), Japanese Art, Anne van Biema collection, Portraits, Ukiyo-e, Hosoban

• Culture

  Japanese

• Object Type

  Prints