「稲ノ谷半兵衛　中村歌右衛門」　（三代目）|The Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Inanoya Hanbē

Shunkōsai Hokushū 春好斎北洲

1820 · Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; vertical ōban · Asian Art

One of the great “all-around actors” (kaneru yakusha) of the Osaka stage who could play any type of role—male or female, hero or villain—Nakamura Utaemon III (1778–1838) is captured in a dramatic bust portrait of the townsman turned samurai Inanoya Hanbē. The accompanying poem, probably by a member of a fan club, praises the actor: Mirukara ni horeke mo sasuga meijin no shi-uchi wa sate mo yoi otokoburi —Suihendo Even at first glance, he’s so captivating— truly a skilled actor, whose technique, it’s true, makes him seem so dashing. (Trans. John T. Carpenter)

Artist

Shunkōsai Hokushū 春好斎北洲

Date

1820

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