The Actor Segawa Kikunojō II as Yaoya Oshichi
Artist
Torii Kiyomitsu
(Japanese, 1735–1785)
Date1759
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper; benizuri-e
DimensionsHashira-e: 65 x 10 cm (25 5/8 x 3 7/8 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
MarkingsPublisher's address: Bakuro-cho itchome Shokakudo (Shokakudo of Bakuro-cho itchome); mark: Kichi, Yamashiro; square seal: Fuji [for another example of this seal see Gunsaulus, The Primitives, p. 249 (no. 20)].
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.190
Label TextHer figure,
With long flowing sleeves,
Is like a slender twig of plum blossoms.
Furisode no / sugata wa ume no/ suwae kana
The furisode (long-sleeved kimono with small wrist openings worn by unmarried women) is decorated with a pattern of plum-blossom branches which hints at Oshichi's youth. The silk wadding (yui-wata) crest on the sleeve, and the chrysanthemum (kiku) pattern of the sash (obi), refer to the actor's crest and his name, Kikunojo. This print is a benizuri-e printed in two colors, green and red.
ProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft, Boston, MAOn View
Not on view
Torii Kiyomitsu
1761, 3rd month
