Ichikawa Omezō I in the Role of Yakko Ippei from the Play "Koinyōbō somewake tazuna"
Focusing on bust portraits, Sharaku created bold and stylized depictions of Kabuki actors. In this portrait Ichikawa Omezō I (1781–1833), a disciple of Danjūro V, plays a warrior named Yakko Ippei who was unsuccessful in his attempt to defeat his enemy. On his robe the character for "O" in Omezō appears at the center of the Ichikawa family crest of three nested squares.
Artwork Details
- 東洲斎写楽画 初代市川男女蔵の奴一平 『恋女房染分手綱』
- Title: Ichikawa Omezō I in the Role of Yakko Ippei from the Play "Koinyōbō somewake tazuna"
- Artist: Tōshūsai Sharaku (Japanese, active 1794–95)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 1794
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Woodblock print; ink, color, white mica on paper
- Dimensions: 14 7/8 x 9 7/8 in. (37.8 x 25.1 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
- Object Number: JP196
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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