Modern Flowers of Bravery (Tōsei isami no hana)

Modern Flowers of Bravery (Tōsei isami no hana)

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

Date1860, 2nd month

Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, and embossing on paper

DimensionsVertical ōban triptych; overall: 108.6 × 25 cm (42 3/4 × 9 13/16 in.)
Right sheet: 36.2 × 25 cm (14 1/4 × 9 13/16 in.)
Center sheet: 36.2 × 24.7 cm (14 1/4 × 9 3/4 in.)
Left sheet: 36.2 × 25 cm (14 1/4 × 9 13/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

MarkingsCensor's seal: Monkey 2, aratame 申二改

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.214

DescriptionThree popular kabuki actors, Nakamura Shikan IV (right), Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I (center), and Ichikawa Ichizō III (left) have subtle differences in their eyes, noses, and mouths that would have made them recognizable to contemporary audiences. The actors wear thick padded firemen’s coats, designed to protect them from extreme heat. Firemen were often heavily tattooed, operating as private gangs that put out fires (or not!) for a fee. All three appeared together in a play just before the print was released––their characters made a visit to the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters, which were profuse with cherry blossoms in the New Year.
Label TextThree popular kabuki actors, Nakamura Shikan IV (right), Ichikawa Danjūrō IX (center), and Ichikawa Ebizō II (left) have subtle differences in their eyes, noses, and mouths that would have made them recognizable to contemporary audiences. The actors wear thick padded firemen’s coats, designed to protect them from extreme heat. Firemen were often heavily tattooed, operating as private gangs that put out fires (or not!) for a fee. All three appeared together in a play just before the print was released––their characters made a visit to the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters, which were profuse with cherry blossoms in the New Year.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

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