Artwork
三代目瀬川菊之丞のわっぱ菊王にて女朝比奈の草摺引|The Actor Segawa Kikunojō III as Wappa no Kikuō in a Woman’s “Asahina Armor Pulling” (Asahina no kusazuri-biki) Scene
三代目瀬川菊之丞のわっぱ菊王にて女朝比奈の草摺引|The Actor Segawa Kikunojō III as Wappa no Kikuō in a Woman’s “Asahina Armor Pulling” (Asahina no kusazuri-biki) Scene is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created in 1780 by Katsukawa Shunshō, is part of a diptych and depicts an actor in a dramatic scene. It is a nishiki-e print, made with ink and color on paper, and is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Segawa Kikunojō III as Wappa no Kikuō in a scene titled 'Asahina Armor Pulling.' The actor is dressed in a woman's attire, with bright pink robes and a tall black headdress, holding a fan and a sword, suggesting a theatrical performance.
Technique & Style
The print features bold colors and sharp lines, characteristic of Shunshō's style, which was designed to capture the viewer's attention. The use of vibrant colors and detailed designs, such as the gold-and-green pattern on the actor's sleeve, highlights the artist's skill in creating visually striking images.
Context
As a form of theater advertising, this print was intended to promote a kabuki performance. The actor's costume blends everyday clothing with more dramatic elements, such as armor, indicating the theatrical nature of the scene depicted.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
三代目瀬川菊之丞の近江屋の遊女|The Actor Segawa Kikunojō as a Courtesan of the Ōmiya Brothel
花形見風折烏帽子瀬川富三郎の娘道成寺|Segawa Tomisaburo in the Role of Musume Dojoji in "Hanagatami Kazaori Eboshi"
勝川春好画 三代目瀬川菊之丞|Kabuki Actor Segawa Kikunojō III in a Woman’s Role
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)
勝川春章画 三代目瀬川菊之丞|Kabuki Actor Segawa Kikunojō III
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II Dancing with a Parasol
Segawa Kikunojō III as Teruha
二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shinozuka in a Shibaraku (Stop Right There!) Scene