The Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II (Shinsha) and Yamashita Kinsaku II (Riko)

Maker(s)
Artist: Katsukawa Shunkō 勝川春好 (1743-1812)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1775
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 31.7 x 14.7 cm (12 1/2 x 5 13/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.63
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

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

Instead of a single full figure, which was the most common composition for actor prints from the 1770s, the space in this print is divided into two close-up portraits. The actors are identifed by their haimyo (names used to sign their poetry), which were familiar to their fans. In the lower frame, posing in a demure and charming manner, is Riko (the actor Yamashita Kinsaku II, 1733- 1799), who was a famous onnagata. Above, with his shoulders and costume filling the frame is Shinsha (the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II, 1743-1794). The actors often appeared together in performances at the Nakamura Theater during the 1770s, when this print was designed by Shunko, an artist of the Katsukawa school, which specialized in actor portraits. His name and the publisher's trademark are printed horizontally in the upper and lower margins.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 16, pp. 84-85.
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