Description

This print is a collection of two works by Utagawa.

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays
1814

Utagawa Kunisada 歌川 国貞
(Japanese, 1786-1865)

Japan, Edo period

(1615-1868)
Here, the actor plays the role of an exiled statesman, transforming himself into a vengeful thunder god. The red-and-white make-up style—kumadori, or “shadow painting”—is characteristic of the aragoto manner of portraying heroic roles. The crossed eyes and clenched mouth—in this role a plum blossom branch is added—demonstrates the conventional mie pose used by Kabuki actors to express intense emotion at the most dramatic moment in the play. The audience applauds the actor’s ability to hold this pose, influenced by the stylized movements of the puppets in the famous Bunraku theater. This sensational transformation of the hero is the high point of the scene.

Nakamura Utaemon III as the Monkey Trainer Yojiro (from the series Famous Kabuki Plays)
mid-1810s
Utagawa Kunisada 歌川 国貞
(Japanese, 1786-1865)

Make a statement in any room with this framed poster, printed on thick, durable, matte paper. The matte black frame that’s made from wood from renewable forests adds an extra touch of class.

• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Lightweight
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included