「傘一本足」|“One-Legged Umbrella Monster” (Kasa ippon ashi)

Gosōtei Hirosada 五粽亭広貞

1857 · Woodblock print (nishiki-e); vertical chūban · Asian Art

An unidentified Kabuki actor, perhaps Onoe Tamizo II, performs the role of the One-Legged Umbrella Monster. This delightful apparition is a type of “artifact spirit” (tsukumogami), referring to everyday objects or tools such as umbrellas, brooms, lanterns, sandals, or pots, that turn into ghosts or monsters after they are no longer used. They tend to be more mischievous than evil. When taking on this role, the actor would tie up one leg and hop around on stage.

Artist

Gosōtei Hirosada 五粽亭広貞

Date

1857

Medium

Woodblock print (nishiki-e); vertical chūban

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, in honor of James C. Y. Watt, 2011