Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome
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Object Label
A sign painter by training, Torii Kiyonobu I was one of the first artists to design actor prints. Such early prints consisted of a single woodblock impression in black.
The subject of this print, the actor Nakamura Gentarō, was an onnagata, or specialist in playing female roles. Although Kabuki began with all-female casts, in 1629 the Japanese government prohibited women from participating because their presence onstage was considered too erotic. However, substituting men for women did little to quell audience infatuations. As a result, onnagatas became popular with both potential suitors and followers of fashion.
Caption
Torii Kiyonobu I Japanese, 1664–1729. Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome, circa 1702. Woodblock print, Sheet: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm) Image: 20 1/8 x 12 1/4 in. (51.1 x 31.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Louis V. Ledoux, 48.15.10. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 48.15.10_IMLS_PS3.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome
Date
circa 1702
Period
Edo Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Woodblock print
Classification
Dimensions
Sheet: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm) Image: 20 1/8 x 12 1/4 in. (51.1 x 31.1 cm)
Markings
Two collectors' seals at lower right: Wakai Shisei zo (this is the seal of Sekine Shichibei)
Credit Line
Gift of Louis V. Ledoux
Accession Number
48.15.10
Rights
No known copyright restrictions
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