The Actor Tatsuoka Hisagiku in the Role of Kurenai

Kiyonobu II Japanese

Not on view

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.

The Actor Tatsuoka Hisagiku in the Role of Kurenai, Kiyonobu II (Japanese, active 1720–1750), Woodblock print (hand-colored); ink and color on paper, Japan

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