Ichikawa Danjurô II as Soga Goro and Sodezaki Miwano as Kewaizaka no Shosho
Dateca. 1730
Maker
Okumura Toshinobu
Japanese, active ca. 1717-50
Label TextThe two actors in this beautifully preserved print are in the famous roles of Soga Goro and his mistress, Shosho, acting in one of the many kabuki dramas based on the classic medieval tale of the Soga brothers' revenge. Actor prints might be issued to commemorate a special performance, such as a season-opening debut (kaomise) in which a new cast was introduced to the audience. Prints also functioned as a kind of fan magazine. They spotlighted the stars of the stage, depicting the actors in their trademark poses and celebrating their most memorable performances.
Object number2011.40.6
Provenance[Sotheby’s, London, Japanese Works of Art, Prints & Paintings, Nov. 9, 2006, sale no. L06861, lot no. 721, reproduced p. 14]; purchased at auction by Allan Kollar, Seattle, Washington, 2006; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2011
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Fleeting Beauty: Japanese Woodblock Prints, Apr. 1 - July 4, 2010. Text by Catherine Roche. Cat. no. 6, reproduced p. 29.Credit LineGift of Mary and Allan Kollar
DimensionsSheet size: 12 3/4 x 6 in. (32.4 x 15.2 cm)
MediumWoodblock print; ink and hand coloring on paper
Okumura Toshinobu
ca. 1730
Object number: 2011.40.5
Katsukawa Shunshō
1772
Object number: 2013.10.2
Okumura Masanobu
ca 1725 - 30
Object number: 2011.40.4
Utagawa Kunisada II
1849-1850
Object number: 98.53.67
Utagawa Yoshikuni
ca. 1828
Object number: 98.53.72
Torii Kiyomitsu
ca. 1750
Object number: 2011.40.7
School of Hokusai
ca. 1815-1849
Object number: 39.177
Katsushika Hokusai
ca. 1830-32
Object number: 2010.15