Artwork

初世尾上菊五郎の戸無瀬|Onoe Kikugorō as Tonase, from Kanadehon Chūshingura (Kanadehon Chūshingura, Shosei Onoe Kikugorō no Tonase)

初世尾上菊五郎の戸無瀬|Onoe Kikugorō as Tonase, from Kanadehon Chūshingura (Kanadehon Chūshingura, Shosei Onoe Kikugorō no Tonase) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Ippitsusai Bunchō. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

This print shows a woman in a long, flowing robe with bold patterns—flowers and waves—on her sleeves and skirt.

This print shows a woman in a long, flowing robe with bold patterns—flowers and waves—on her sleeves and skirt. She’s holding a fan in one hand and a tall, curved sword in the other, stepping out of a bamboo fence. Her hair is styled high, and she wears a light hat. The background is simple: a bamboo wall, a wooden railing, and a soft sky with fluffy clouds.

Notice how the artist uses sharp lines to show the texture of her robe and the fence. The sword looks heavy, but her posture is calm. This print was made in 1773 by a Japanese artist.

If you like this, check out Ippitsusai Bunchō.

Overview

This 1773 woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō depicts Onoe Kikugorō portraying Tonase from the play Kanadehon Chūshingura. The work is executed in ink and color on paper and is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Tonase, a female character, dressed in a vibrantly patterned robe, carrying a fan and a curved sword. Her calm demeanor contrasts with the weaponry, suggesting a nuanced portrayal of the character. The scene is set against a serene backdrop of bamboo and clouds.

Technique & Style

Ippitsusai Bunchō employs sharp lines to delineate textures, notably in the robe and bamboo fence. The composition balances dynamic elements—the sword, the flowing robe—with a peaceful atmosphere, characteristic of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created in 1773, the print is attributed to Ippitsusai Bunchō. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.