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安達吟光画 第二番目五幕目 漂流奇譚西洋劇 巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki

Adachi Ginkō , 1879

安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki, by Adachi Ginkō, ink, 1879
安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki, by Adachi Ginkō, ink, 1879

安達吟光画 第二番目五幕目 漂流奇譚西洋劇 巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Adachi Ginkō. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Adachi Ginkō’s woodblock print, dated 1879, depicts the fifth scene of the second act in his series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki. Executed as a vertical ōban nishiki-e, the image presents a bustling theatrical moment titled “At the Opera in Paris.” The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The dynamic stance of the central man, poised as if leaping, conveys theatrical excitement and the cross‑cultural curiosity of the period.

The composition gathers five figures in varied, animated postures before a stylized backdrop of mountains under a dark sky. Costumes are richly patterned, a red‑black checked coat, a blue suit with a green hat, and a gray suit topped by a top‑hat, suggesting a Western operatic setting. The dynamic stance of the central man, poised as if leaping, conveys theatrical excitement and the cross‑cultural curiosity of the period.

Technique & Style

Printed using the nishiki-e method, the piece combines multiple carved blocks to apply ink and vivid pigments on paper, achieving bright, saturated hues. The artist emphasizes exaggerated gestures and bold color contrasts, typical of late‑Edo ukiyo‑e’s shift toward narrative drama. The vertical ōban format allows for a compact yet detailed scene, balancing foreground action with a atmospheric background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1879, the print belongs to a series that blended Japanese kabuki conventions with Western theatrical motifs, reflecting Meiji‑era fascination with foreign culture. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains catalogued as an example of cross‑cultural printmaking.

安達吟光画　第二番目狂言　 漂流奇譚 　西洋劇 　三幕目　アメリカ鉄道の場|“Act II, Scene 2: Along Train Tracks in America,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki
安達吟光画　第二番目狂言　 漂流奇譚 　西洋劇 　三幕目　アメリカ鉄道の場|“Act II, Scene 2: Along Train Tracks in America,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki, Adachi Ginkō

Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted 安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki?

安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki was painted by Adachi Ginkō in 1879.

Where can I see 安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki?

安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki?

安達吟光画　第二番目五幕目　漂流奇譚西洋劇　巴里府演劇の場|“Act II, Scene 5: At the Opera in Paris,” from the series The Strange Tale of the Castaways: A Western Kabuki is associated with Impressionism.