Ichikawa Danjūrō

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 Japanese, 1839–1892

DateApril 1, 1890

Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, embossing, burnishing, and metallic pigments on paper

DimensionsOban Triptych: 36.9 × 74.1 cm (14 1/2 × 29 3/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.244

DescriptionA key figure in the modernization of kabuki theatre, Ichikawa Danjūrō IX (1838–1903) played the popular role of Musashibō Benkei (1155–89) in Kanjinchō at the Shintomi theater in Tokyo in May 1890. This print, released in advance of the premiere, was a deluxe memento for the actor’s devoted fans. Danjūrō’s costume portrays a mountain ascetic, his heavy coat bearing Sanskrit characters. The fine printing––the rich dark blue background, bronze-colored lettering, embossing, and burnishing––evokes the splendor of kabuki costumes.Label TextA key figure in the modernization of kabuki theatre, Ichikawa Danjūrō IX (1838–1903) played the popular role of Musashibō Benkei (1155–89) in Kanjinchō at the Shintomi theater in Tokyo in May 1890. This print, released in advance of the premiere, was a deluxe memento for the actor’s devoted fans. Danjūrō’s costume portrays a mountain ascetic, his heavy coat bearing Sanskrit characters. The fine printing––the rich dark blue background, bronze-colored lettering, embossing, and burnishing––evokes the splendor of kabuki costumes.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

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