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Self-Portrait of Danjuro VII in a Shibaraku Performance

Edo period (1615–1868)
Not on view
Ichikawa Danjūrō VII portrayed himself in a "Shibaraku!" performance. "Shibaraku!" was customarily performed as part of the annual November "showing-faces" (kaomise) production to introduce a company of actors to the public. The bombastic shout of "Shibaraku!" was believed to ward off evil. Three poems are inscribed above the picture, including Danjūrō's poem at the center. Dominating the picture is the famous family crest of three nested squares (mimasu), seen both on the sleeves of the character's kimono and as the print's frame.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Self-Portrait of Danjuro VII in a Shibaraku Performance
  • Artist: Ichikawa Danjūrō VII (Japanese, 1791–1859)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: 8 x 7 in. (20.3 x 17.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1922
  • Object Number: JP1301
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), or The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)

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