The Actor Nakamura Nakazō I in the Role of a Daimyo's Retainer
1780-85
Shunko depicted Nakamura Nakazo, a well-known leading man, at a climactic moment in a kabuki drama. His face fixed, his legs wide, Nakazo impresses the audience-and print-with his resolute stance. Red eye makeup worn over a thick layer of white rice-powder face paint expresses his virility while heightening the dramatic effect.
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Sheet size: 12 1/4 x 6 in. (31.1 x 15.2 cm)
Gift of Mary and Allan Kollar, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2013.31.8
Provenance: Collection of P. Blondeau (d. 1926), Paris, France; [Thomas French Fine Art, Fairlawn, Ohio]; purchased from gallery by Allan Kollar, Seattle, Washington, 2005; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2013
Photo: Colleen Kollar Zorn