The Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Taira no Tomomori

Maker(s)
Artist: Yamaguchi Shigeharu 山口重春 (1803-1853)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1831
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 37.2 x 24.7 cm (14 5/8 x 9 3/4 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2004.3.279
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

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

One of the most famous plays in the kabuki repertoire is Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees (Yoshitsune sembon zakura). Originally written for the puppet theater, the play liberally rearranges history in its account of the tragic rivalry between the Taira and Minamoto warrior families in the late twelfth century. In the play, after the defeat of the Taira forces in the Battle of Dannoura (1185), Taira no Tomomori (1151-1185), who committed suicide in the historic battle, lives on and disguises himself as his own ghost to attack Yoshitsune's ship. He is stopped by the power of the Buddhist monk, Benkei, a loyal follower of Yoshitsune. Utaemon wears the blue makeup that is customary for ghost roles. With arrows piercing his armor, he makes his final stand. The fine composition and printing in this image gives it a high artistic quality and finesse.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, with contributions by et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 60, pp. 172-173.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use