Role: Ono no Komachi [小野乃小町]
— Nakamura Shikan IV [中村芝翫] (Japanese, 1831 – 1899); other names: Nakamura Fukusuke I, Nakamura Masanosuke I, Nakamura Komasaburō, Nakamura Tamatarō I.Role: Kisen Hōshi [喜せん法師], modern wrighting [喜撰法師]
Role: Ono no Komachi [小野乃小町]
— Nakamura Shikan IV [中村芝翫] (Japanese, 1831 – 1899); other names: Nakamura Fukusuke I, Nakamura Masanosuke I, Nakamura Komasaburō, Nakamura Tamatarō I.Role: Kisen Hōshi [喜せん法師], modern wrighting [喜撰法師]
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延筆 (Chikanobu hitsu)
Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b
Date: No seal
Media: 団扇絵 (uchiwa-e, fan print), 190 × 175 mm
Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified.
Actors and Roles:
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal. Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), multicolor woodblock print, 195 × 175 mm Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified. Actors and Roles:Artist: 楊洲周延 (Yōshū Chikanobu, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal. Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), multicolor woodblock print, 195 × 175 mm Actors and Roles:Play: Imoseyama onna teikin (妹背山婦女庭訓), Shintomi-za, Tokyo, 10/1883
Half-length view of two actors. The female figure on the left is identified as Ichikawa Danjūrō IX, shown in a richly decorated kimono, slightly turning her face. The male figure on the right is identified as Nakamura Shikan IV, dressed in a bold-patterned outfit, gazing forward with an intense expression. His face is adorned with kumadori (隈取) makeup, emphasizing his dramatic role and reinforcing his imposing stage presence.
Lyon Collection: Roger Keyes in The Theatrical World of Osaka Prints wrote on page 74: "Act IV of Imoseyama is a domestic subplot. Omiwa, the daughter of a sake seller, falls in love with the son of Kamatari, one of the leaders of the anti-Soga party. When he refuses to reveal his identity, she attaches a spool of thread to his cloak and follows him, winding the reel. Her lover is following an unidentified princess with the same device, and all finally find themselves at Iruka's palace. Omiwa is noticed by one of Kamatari's subjects, Kanawa Gorō, who is loitering nearby disguised as Fukashichi, the fisherman. He stabs her. As she dies, he reveals that her lover was a courtier and that she will now be helping him to overthrow Iruka. Fukashichi then mixes her blood with the blood of a black-toed deer and smears it on his magic flute, making it possible to recover a certain Sacred Sword from Iruka at last, and sap his power."
Images from Hankyu Culture Archive:
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Ichikawa Sadanji I as Fukashichi; Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Omiwa;
Nakamura Shikan IV Tōfu Goyō (とうふ御用) |
Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as as Omiwa | Ichikawa Sadanji I as Fukashichi (ふか七) |
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En’ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal (between 1876 and 1887).Media: 団扇絵 (uchiwa-e, fan print), 185 x 170 mm
Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified.
Actors and Roles:
Play: While the specific play isn't explicitly mentioned, the character names suggest it could be 恋湊博多諷 (Koi Minato Hakata no Hitofushi) or a related version such as 博多小女郎浪枕 (Hakata Kojorō Nami Makura) or 和訓水滸伝 (Yamato Kotoba Suikoden).
The print captures a dramatic scene featuring the pirate chief 毛剃九右衛門 (Kezori Kuemon) and the courtesan 博多小女郎 (Hakata Kojorō). Kuemon, portrayed by Ichikawa Danjūrō IX, is depicted with a commanding presence adorned in elaborate attire befitting a smuggler leader. Kojorō, played by Onoe Taganojō II, is shown in elegant courtesan garments, reflecting her status in the Hakata pleasure quarters. The background features maritime elements, hinting at the seafaring aspects of the narrative.
The story centres on 毛剃九右衛門 (Kezori Kuemon), a notorious smuggler, and 博多小女郎 (Hakata Kojorō), a courtesan of the Okudaya brothel in Hakata. A young merchant from Kyoto, 小松屋宗七 (Komatsuya Sōshichi), becomes entangled with Kuemon during a voyage. Unaware of the ship's illicit activities, Sōshichi refuses Kuemon's invitation to join the smuggling operations and is cast overboard. Surviving the ordeal but losing his funds intended to ransom Kojorō, Sōshichi faces despair. In a twist, Kuemon, recognizing the genuine affection between Sōshichi and Kojorō, decides to assist them. He offers to ransom Kojorō on the condition that Sōshichi joins his crew. Reluctantly, Sōshichi agrees, leading to a series of events where they amass wealth through smuggling. However, their activities draw the attention of authorities. As they attempt to escape, Sōshichi is apprehended and takes his own life. Kojorō, seeking to join him in death, is instead pardoned by imperial decree upon the emperor's accession, as she is deemed innocent of any crime.
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga)
Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b
Date: No date seal
Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 182 x 173 mm
Actors and Roles:
Kabuki21: "May 1879: Sawamura Tosshô II took the name of Suketakaya Takasuke IV at the Shintomiza, playing the role of Nagoya Sanza Motoharu in the drama "Mukashi Moyô Sato no Sayaate"; the role of Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu (Sanza's rival in the sayaate scene) was played by Ichikawa Danjûrô IX."Hankyu Culture Archives:
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Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Fuwa Banzaemon Onoe Kikugorō V as Horimono-shi Unji (Tattoo Artist Unji) Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Nagoya Sanza | Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Fuwa Banzaemon | Onoe Kikugorō V as Nagoya Sanza |
This uchiwa-e (団扇絵) depicts Iwai Kumesaburō II (岩井粂三郎) as Nyōbō Osono (女房おその), the wife of Amakawaya Gihei (天川屋義平), in Act 10 of Kanadehon Chūshingura (仮名手本忠臣蔵). Osono is shown in a half-length portrait, three-quarter view, turned to her left. Behind her, an arrow (矢, ya) has pierced a target (的, mato) in the bullseye. In her hand, she holds a severed lock of her own hair. She wears a green-spotted kimono patterned with white plum blossoms (梅, ume), with a red under-kimono featuring a blue lattice-decorated collar (襟, eri). Her hair is adorned with a gilt comb (櫛, kushi) and hairpins (簪, kanzashi).
In Act 10, Gihei (義平), recognizing that the rōnin’s attack on Moronao is imminent, sends Osono (おその) back to her parents, an act equivalent to divorcing her. Since a divorced woman would typically be remarried by her family, Ōboshi Yuranosuke (大星由良之助) orders Ōwashi Bungo (大鷲文吾) to cut her hair, ensuring that this does not happen, leaving her unmarriageable and still tied to her husband during their separation. "Once we finish our business of killing the enemy, you can celebrate your reunion," said Ōboshi Yuranosuke.
A red slip of paper (短冊, tanzaku) with the actor’s name and role is placed near the upper right.
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The scene depicts a moment from the play Ume sakura aioi zōshi (梅桜松双紙), with Chiyo, Matsubei, and Umeroku confronting an unseen opponent. The three figures are positioned against a backdrop of rushing water and a large waterwheel, indicating a setting near a river. Chiyo, at the front, wears a brown kimono with pine needle motifs, a black obi, and red underlayers visible at the sleeves and hem. Her hair is arranged formally, and her arms are extended forward. Matsubei and Umeroku, standing behind her, wear checkered (plaid) kimonos in brown and beige tones with black borders, tied with wide yellow sashes. Matsubei wears a haori (羽織). Both men hold long wooden oars crossed in an X-shape.
Toyokuni depicts the same actors in the same performance in a series of ōban-size prints (images from Waseda University Cultural Resources Database)
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Actor: Onoe Baikō III [三代目尾上梅幸] (Japanese, 1784–1849); Other names: Onoe Kikugorō III (尾上菊五郎), Ōkawa Hashizō I (大川橋蔵初代), Onoe Matsusuke II (二代目尾上松助), Onoe Eizaburō I (初代尾上栄三郎)
Role: Konjin Chōgorō (金神長五郎) Play: Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira (句兄弟菖蒲帷子) Theater: Nakamura-za (中村座), Edo, 1815 Half-length, three-quarter-view, facing to the left portrait of Onoe Baikō III as Konjin Chōgorō, in the play Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira, staged at Nakamura-za in 1815. The actor wears a purple kimono with a plum blossom motif (梅, ume).A print from the Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum also depicts Onoe Baikō III as Konjin Chōgorō, showing him holding a box inscribed with 神金 (Kane no Kami). The name Konjin consists of the same kanji reading right to left (金神).
Konjin Chōgorō is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore, renowned as a formidable sumo wrestler. His tales often depict him engaging in supernatural feats, such as vanquishing demons and showcasing extraordinary strength.
In the realm of kabuki theatre, Konjin Chōgorō's character has been portrayed in various plays, though specific details about Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira (句兄弟菖蒲帷子) remain unknown.
A certain confusion regarding the attribution of this print arises from the statement by Andreas Marks (Publishers, 2011, p. 488), which asserts that the gyōji aratame seal was used exclusively for fan prints between 1810 and 1814. However, it is known that Onoe Baikō III performed the role of Konjin Chōgorō at Nakamura-za in the 5th month of 1815. Marks also notes that the earliest known fan print bearing this seal dates to 1810; based on this new evidence, we may now consider the latest known instance to be the 5th month of 1815.
Actor: Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [七代目市川團十郎] (Japanese, 1791–1859); Other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V (五代目市川海老蔵), Ichikawa Hakuen II (二代目市川白猿), Ichikawa Shinnosuke I (初代市川新之助).
Role: Yushima no Sankichi (ゆしまの三吉) Play: Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome (梅柳若葉加賀染) Theater: Tamagawa-za (玉川座), Edo, May 1819 Bust-length, three-quarter-view portrait of Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Yushima no Sankichi, in the play Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome, staged at Tamagawa-za in May 1819. The actor is depicted with his arms crossed over his chest, holding a pipe (kiseru, 煙管) in his right hand. The upper half of the background features a giant golden carp (鯉, koi), symbolizing Boys' Day (Tango no Sekku) (端午の節句), celebrated on May 5th each year. This print forms a pair with the portrait of Kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō V as Kurenaiya Okan [SVJP-0440.2025], but no conclusive information is available regarding the relationship between their characters.![]() |
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Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825)
Publisher: Iseya Sōemon [伊勢屋惣右衛門] (c. 1776 – November 1862); Marks 02-041 | 156a
Date-Aratame Seal: Bunsei 1 (文政元年, 1818)
Media: Print (Yakusha-e, 役者絵); 223 x 250 mm
Actor: Bandō Mitsugorō III [三代目 坂東 三津五郎] (Japanese, 1775–1831); also known as Bandō Minosuke I, Morita Kanjirō II, Bandō Mitahachi I, Bandō Minosuke I, Bandō Mitahachi I.
Role: Anno Heiemon [安の平右衛門], also known as Anno Heibei [安の平兵衛].
Play: Shiire Zome Karigane Gomon [仕入染雁金五紋] (しいれぞめかりがねごもん), staged in May 1818 at Nakamuraza Theatre in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
Bust-length, three-quarter-view portrait of actor Bandō Mitsugorō III as Anno Heibei, one of the gonin otoko [五人男]—a group of five chivalrous thieves. The actor is dressed in a red and purple robe, with a golden mon (family crest) on the shoulders, displaying the character 安 (An), which, in this case, represents the first ideogram in the name of his role. A shakuhachi (尺八), a traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute, is secured on his back.
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