The Actor Onoe Matsusuke I as the Priest Shunkan
Object Details
- Label
- The actor Onoe Matsusuke I (1744-1815), a specialist of leading male roles, takes shelter from a sudden rainstorm. His role is likely that of the Buddhist priest Shunkan, who was exiled in 1177 to the island of Kikaigajima for plotting against the Taira family. He left the island on a secret mission to protect the emperor's concubine while she gave birth in a remote location. In kabuki dramatizations, his true identity is revealed when his features are reflected in a mirror. Rainfall is represented in kabuki performances by special effects such as silver strings hanging from a frame or water sprinkled from above.
- Collection
- National Museum of Asian Art Collection
- Exhibition History
- Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection (September 15, 2002 to January 9, 2003)
- Credit Line
- The Anne van Biema Collection
- Data Source
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Date
- ca. late 1770s
- Period
- Edo period
- Accession Number
- S2004.3.66
- Artist
- Katsukawa Shunko 勝川春好 (1743-1812)
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Medium
- Ink and color on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W (overall): 31.8 x 14.2 cm (12 1/2 x 5 9/16 in)
- Origin
- Japan
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Topic
- portrait
- Edo period (1615 - 1868)
- rain
- theater
- Japan
- actor
- priest
- ukiyo-e
- hosoban
- yakusha-e
- Japanese Art
- Anne van Biema collection
- Record ID
- fsg_S2004.3.66
