Artwork
鳥居清満画 九代目市村羽左衛門|Kabuki Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX
鳥居清満画 九代目市村羽左衛門|Kabuki Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX is an ink print by the Baroque artist Torii Kiyomitsu. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Torii Kiyomitsu's woodblock print, 'Kabuki Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX', dates to circa 1759. Executed in ink and color on paper, it is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Ichimura Uzaemon IX, a kabuki actor, dressed in a pink kimono adorned with green leaves and secured by a green obi. He holds a sword and an umbrella with matching green and pink design, standing on a small stool. The image is flanked by Japanese writing.
Technique & Style
Characterized by the use of ink and color on paper, this woodblock print exemplifies traditional Japanese ukiyo-e techniques. The composition's simplicity and the subject's pose reflect the aesthetic of mid-18th-century kabuki illustrations.
History & Provenance
Created around 1759 by Torii Kiyomitsu, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with no detailed provenance provided in available sources.
Context
This work is situated within the ukiyo-e tradition of portraying kabuki actors, reflecting the popularity of theater in 18th-century Japan. It highlights the intersection of art and theatrical culture during this period.
Legacy
As part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, 'Kabuki Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX' contributes to the global understanding and appreciation of Japanese woodblock printing and kabuki's cultural significance.
Artist & collection
