The Actor Arashi Rikan II as Ogata Rikimaru

Maker(s)
Artist: Shunkōsai Hokushū 春好斎 北洲 (fl. ca. 1810-1832)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1831
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 37.6 x 25.4 cm (14 13/16 x 10 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.273
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
actor, Anne van Biema collection, Edo period (1615 - 1868), haiku, Japan, oban, portrait, samurai, theater, toad, ukiyo-e, yakusha-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Wearing full armor, the actor Arashi Rikan II (1788-1837) plays the role of a warrior who has acquired magical powers that allow him to control frogs. He wears a wig that suggests the character has not shaven his pate for one hundred days, thus producing a disheveled appearance. This type of wig is commonly used in period plays to express a combination of physical strength and evil intentions. The actor himself composed the haiku (hokku) inscribed on this print. It refers to the honor of performing in a New Year production and self-deprecatingly suggests that he is not a famous actor:

 How comforting!
 Even grasses with no name
 enjoy the blessings of the sun.

Translation of poem by John T. Carpenter

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 58, pp. 168-169.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use