The Actor Otani Oniji III as Kawashima Jibugoro (detail), By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
October 31, 2017 (Tue) - November 26, 2017 (Sun)
In the early Edo period (1603–1868), ukiyo-e, which depicted common people, consisted only of paintings. A method of woodblock printing was later devised and mass production of ukiyo-e became possible. Eventually, a method of producing multicolored nishiki-e prints was established following the development of carving and printing techniques. This exhibition features portraits of Kabuki actors by artists such as Katsukawa Shunsho, Toshusai Sharaku, Utagawa Toyokuni, and Utagawa Kunisada, all of whom are acclaimed in this particular genre of ukiyo-e. Also included in the lineup are autumnal works as well as Scenes In and Around Kyoto, from which ukiyo-e is assumed to have originated.
Current exhibit includes:
The Actor Sawamura Sojuro III in the Dressing Room, By Katsukawa Shunsho, Edo period, 18th century
The Actors Nakajima Wadaemon as Bodara Chozaemon and Nakamura Konozo as Gon of the Kanagawaya, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Important Cultural Property)
The Actor Otani Oniji III as Kawashima Jibugoro, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794
Actors on Stage: Akashiya, By Utagawa Toyokuni, Edo period, 18th century