Actor Iwai Hanshiro V with a Courtesan

Maker(s)
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I ę­Œå·č±Šå›½ (1769-1825)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1806, 6th month
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 37.4 x 25.7 cm (14 3/4 x 10 1/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.109
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
actor, Anne van Biema collection, courtesan, Edo period (1615 - 1868), fan, Japan, kabuki, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Fans of kabuki were intensely interested in the lives of stage stars. Here, in an offstage setting, the actor Iwai Hanshiro V enjoys the company of a high-ranking courtesan. His graceful, feminine attire and coiffure reflect the practice of some onnagata to remain in female garments in their offstage lives. The landscape scene on the hanging fan above, like others in the series to which this print belongs, refers to the theme of the Six Tama (Jewel) Rivers, a subject derived from poetry. In Japanese prints, women are often paired with each of the six rivers in a comparison of their beauty. The actor and the courtesan in each print of this series may thus represent the "jewels" of Edo.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 30, pp. 112-113.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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