Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Artwork

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events)

Kitagawa Hidemaro , 1804

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events), by Kitagawa Hidemaro, 1804
Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events), by Kitagawa Hidemaro, 1804

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Hidemaro. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1943.44
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Ralph King

About this work

Overview

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare is a print by Kitagawa Hidemaro, dating to circa 1804, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It is one of twelve works depicting daily events aligned with the twelve-hour clock used in Japan during the Edo period.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays two women preparing to attend a Kabuki theater performance. Their attire and hairstyles reflect the elegance of Edo-period fashion. The scene's serene ambiance captures a moment of quiet anticipation before a social outing.

Technique & Style

Characterized by delicate lines and a muted color palette, the work showcases Hidemaro's adherence to traditional Japanese ukiyo-e techniques. The composition's simplicity and the use of negative space contribute to its overall elegance, echoing aspects of Japanese Romanticism's focus on everyday life's beauty.

History & Provenance

Created around 1804, this print is part of The Twelve Hours with Daily Events series. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, though detailed provenance before its acquisition is not provided here.

Context

Produced during the Edo period, the work reflects the growing interest in depicting everyday urban life, particularly the leisure activities of the emerging middle class. The reference to the 'Hour of the Hare' (early morning) highlights the traditional Japanese timekeeping system.

Legacy

While not individually renowned outside its series, the print contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in capturing Edo-period culture. Its style influences later Japanese art movements and continues to educate about 19th-century Japanese daily life and fashion.

『雛形若菜初模様　玉や内　しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜初模様　玉や内　しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”), Isoda Koryūsai

Artist & collection

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 100 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events)?

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events) was painted by Kitagawa Hidemaro in 1804.

Where can I see Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events)?

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events)?

Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events)?

Museum-quality prints of Going to the Kabuki Theater in the Hour of the Hare (From the Series The Twelve Hours with Daily Events) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.