「女伊建　お橋　嵐德三郞」　(三代目)|The Actor Arashi Tokusaburō as the Female Gallant (Onnadate) Ohashi

Utagawa Sadamasu (Kunimasu) 初代歌貞升

1838 · Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; vertical ōban · Asian Art

The Kabuki actor Arashi Tokusaburō III (later known as Arashi Rikan III, 1812–1863) achieved great renown for his performances as young women (waka-onnagata). Here he is represented in the role of the onnadate (chivalrous woman) Ohashi, who defended the weak and oppressed against abusive samurai, and who were popularized in literature and on the Kabuki stage as champions of the townspeople. The hokku (17-syllable poem), by the actor himself, refers to the tachibana (mandarin orange blossom) crest used by this family of actors: Tachibana no kaori wa yomo ni negaunari We pray that the fragrance of mandarin orange blossoms will spread in all directions. (Trans. John T. Carpenter)

Artist

Utagawa Sadamasu (Kunimasu) 初代歌貞升

Date

1838

Medium

Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; vertical ōban

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2020