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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