Artwork
「荒藤太 中村芝翫」(四代)|Nakamura Shikan IV as the Fishmonger Aratota
「荒藤太 中村芝翫」(四代)|Nakamura Shikan IV as the Fishmonger Aratota is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Hasegawa Sadamasu 長谷川貞升. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created in 1841 by Hasegawa Sadamasu, is a vertical chūban nishiki-e featuring Nakamura Shikan IV as the character Aratota, a fishmonger. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this work.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man with a serious expression, black hair tied in a bun, and wearing a blue kimono with a white pattern. A sword at the bottom left suggests the figure may be a samurai or an actor portraying one, highlighting the intersection of everyday life and theatrical performance.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink and color on paper, the print showcases traditional Japanese woodblock techniques. The use of blue and gold accents adds depth and visual interest, characteristic of nishiki-e style.
History & Provenance
Dated to 1841, the print is a product of the Edo period, a time when ukiyo-e woodblock prints flourished. It is attributed to Hasegawa Sadamasu, an artist known for his contributions to this genre.
Artist & collection
「忠孝復讐傳 磯貝藤助」二代目嵐璃珏|The Actor Arashi Rikaku II as Isogai Tōsuke, from the series Lives of Men who Carried Out Revenge for Loyalty or Filial Piety
春好斎北洲画 三代目中村歌右衛門 『一世一代当狂言』|Kabuki Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as the Sword Master Kyōgoku Takumi, from the series Issei ichidai atari Kyōgen (Hits of a Lifetime of Kyōgen)
戯画堂芦幸画 二代目嵐橘三郎 「ひらかな盛衰記」|Kabuki Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō II as Kajiwara Heiji, in the play Hiragana seisuiki (Records of the Battles between the Minamoto and Taira Clans in the Japanese Syllabary)
Actor Ichikawa Ebijūrō I as Tōken (China Dog) Jūbei, in the play Red and Purple, Rich Dyes of Osaka (Benimurasaki ai de someage)
Actor Nakamura Utaemon III (Shikan) as Ishikawa Goemon at the Battle of Okehazama (Okehazama Gassen)
春好斎北洲画 初代市川鰕十郎 「紅紫大坂潤」|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebijūrō I as Tōken (China Dog) Jūbei, in the play Benimurasaki ai de someage (Red and Purple, Rich Dyes of Osaka)
Untitled
「団七九郎兵衛」|Nakamura Utaemon IV as Danshichi Kurobei
「大判事清澄 坂東三津五郎」（三代）・「久我之助 嵐小六」（四代）|Bandō Mitsugorō III as Daihanji Kiyozumi and Arashi Koroku IV as Koganosuke
四代目中村歌右衛門 「関取千両幟」|The Actor Nakamura Utaemon IV as the Wrestler Iwakawa Jirokichi
壽陽堂歳国画 『中村芝翫 楽屋之図』|Kabuki Actor Nakamura Shikan Backstage (Nakamura Shikan rakuya no zu)
東海道五十三次之内 嶋田 大井川駿岸|Shimada