写真楽屋鑑 2代目澤村訥升|Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei)

Toyohara Kunichika

ca. 1859–61 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

写真楽屋鑑 2代目澤村訥升|Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei) — Toyohara Kunichika

Kunichika, a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada, produced a large number of actor prints in his early career; later, during the Meiji period, he popularized the triptych format. This print portrays the handsome actor Sawamura Gennosuke III (1804–1863) as reflected in a mirror in his room backstage. Gennosuke wears a cotton kimono and assumes a relaxed pose, holding a teacup from which steam rises and wiping his neck with a towel. Containers of makeup and tools for applying it appear below and beside the mirror.

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika
Date: ca. 1859–61
Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Culture: Japan
Department: Asian Art
Credit line: Purchase, Jack Greene Gift, 2001

写真楽屋鑑 2代目澤村 訥升|Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei)

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写真楽屋鑑 2代目澤村訥升|Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei)