Artwork
山本義信画 初代目尾上菊五郎|Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I
山本義信画 初代目尾上菊五郎|Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I is an ink print by the Baroque artist Yamamoto Yoshinobu. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I is a woodblock print (beni-e) created circa 1750 by Yamamoto Yoshinobu. The work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
Contrary to its title, the print depicts a woman in vibrant pink robes playing a stringed instrument, with a man in a patterned kimono standing behind her in a doorway, holding a fan. The serene domestic scene highlights intricate details such as embroidered sleeves and a teapot on a nearby table.
Technique & Style
The print showcases the rare and expensive beni dye, evident in the woman's collar and the man's fan, used sparingly due to its cost. The composition also features detailed line work, with techniques like cross-hatching employed to achieve depth.
History & Provenance
Created around 1750 by Yamamoto Yoshinobu, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
Produced during the mid-18th century, this beni-e woodblock print reflects the artistic trends of its time, including the selective use of costly beni ink for accentuation.
Legacy
As part of a prominent museum collection, Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I contributes to the understanding and appreciation of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing techniques and aesthetics.
Artist & collection
