Actor Bando Sanpachi I as Asahina Saburo

Maker(s)
Artist: Torii Kiyotsune 鳥居清経 (fl. ca. 1751-1781)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1/1769
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 30.3 x 14.2 cm (11 15/16 x 5 9/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2004.3.17
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
actor, Anne van Biema collection, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, kabuki, portrait, theater, ukiyo-e, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance information is currently unavailable
Label

In this print, the actor Bando Sanpachi i (d. 1770) as the warrior Asahina Saburo, brandishes a battle fan as he assumes the powerful fixed pose (mie) that marks a climactic point in a battle scene. The actor's crests appear in large circular motifs on his costume, which is decorated with auspicious Chinese symbols and a crane that signifies long life. This print by Kiyotsune, whose family specialized in actor designs, represents the actor in an aragoto role that displays the bold, masculine style that became a specialty of Edo actors.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, with contributions by et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 144, p. 324.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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