Untitled

Toyohara Kunichika

1896 · Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Kunichika's triptych illustrates IchikawaDanjūrō IX in the Role of the monk Mongaku. The close view captures the powerful Danjūrō, opening wide a handscroll while flipping away his hapless enemies who cluster about him. The Ichikawa family's repertoire of aragoto roles was augmented by Danjūrō IX (1839–1903), who established a new repertoire of eighteen plays. His performance in the role of the monk Mongaku in 1896 became so popular that spectators threw coins onto the stage to show their admiration.

Artist

Toyohara Kunichika

Date

1896

Medium

Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Jack Greene Gift, 2001