The Actor Arashi Rikon II as Kowari Dennai

Maker(s)
Artist: Ryūsai Shigeharu 柳斎重春 (1803-1853)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1832
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 37.3 x 25.1 cm (14 11/16 x 9 7/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.280
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

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

Arashi Rikan II here plays the role of Kowari Dennai who is standing on a snow-covered boulder as he holds a rifle in one hand. Rikan II succeeded his father, the renowned Osaka star Arashi Kichisaburo II (Rikan I), assuming his father's rivalry with Nakamura Utaemon III. This print, designed by the artist Shigeharu, who was a native of Nagasaki, displays the extraordinarily high artistic quality he achieved in Osaka. From 1826, when he changed his name to Ryusai Shigeharu, he produced high-quality prints that rivaled those of Hokushu. The subtly graded color and exquisite printing in this image reveal the artistry of Shigeharu's prints.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 318, p. 346.
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