Untitled

Kiyonobu II

1739 · Woodblock print (hand-colored); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

The Osaka Kabuki actor Tatsuoka Hisagaku appeared in the role of the young woman Kurenai, carrying a New Year's decoration of pine, crane and tortoise in the play "Miyakozome Kaoru Hachinoki" which was produced in Tokyo at the Nakamuraza theather in 1739. Often the colors of a hand-painted print were enriched by a glossy, lacquer-like black (urushi) made by mixing black ink and glue. In addition, brass filings are sprinkled on the robe to highlight the design and to give the print a richer, more painterly effect. The artist's and publisher's names are prominently displayed in a cartouche across the bottom of the print.

Artist

Kiyonobu II

Date

1739

Medium

Woodblock print (hand-colored); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and Rogers Fund, 1949