Feartured exhibition
“Kabuki Actor Prints in Osaka”
12th Sep., 2007 - 1st Oct., 2007
This exhibition features “Kamigata Yakusha-e” woodblock prints of Kabuki actors published in Osaka from around the end of the 18th century.
At that time, there were many theaters in Osaka and particularly around the Dotombori area, and enthusiastic Kabuki fans collected portraits of their favorite actors. To respond to this growing demand, specialized artists created numerous portraits during the Bunka-Tempo era (1813-1844). The popularity of these prints continued until well after the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
This exhibition of prints from our own collection and some others entrusted to this museum aims to present the general history of Kamigata Yakusha-e, from the beginning of the late Edo period through the Meiji era. These portraits of actors have a distinct style in comparison with woodblock prints made in Edo (present Tokyo), and we hope that the viewers will be able to appreciate these characteristics while enjoying the development of this art form in chronological order.
- Principal Materials -
Nanamura Tomijurou I from “Pleasure Garden of Calligraphy and Paintings” By Ryukosai Jokei
1788 (Ten’mei 8)
Osaka Museum of History
Nakamura Utaemon IV as Musashibou Benkei and Nakamura Shikan III as Minamoto no Yoshitune from “Kiichi-hogen Sanryaku no Maki” By Hasegawa Sadanobu I
1837 (Tempo 8)
Osaka Museum of History
Arashi Rikan IV as Issun Tokubei, Nakamura Soujurou I as Tsuribune Sabu and Ogami Tamizou II as Danshiti Kurobei (from “Natsu-matsuri Naniwa-kagami”) By Utakawa Yoshitaki
1870 (Meiji3)
Osaka Museum of History