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春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time)

Shunbaisai Hokuei 春梅斎北英 , 1835

春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time), by Shunbaisai Hokuei 春梅斎北英, ink, 1835
春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time), by Shunbaisai Hokuei 春梅斎北英, ink, 1835

春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Shunbaisai Hokuei 春梅斎北英. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.
2011.138
Credit line
Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, in honor of James C. Y. Watt, 2011

About this work

Overview

This 1835 woodblock print by Shunbaisai Hokuei depicts Kabuki actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, part of the series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time), highlighting contemporary makeup styles. It is now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print focuses on Arashi Rikan II's dramatic portrayal of Akogi Heiji, emphasizing the character's emotional intensity through exaggerated Kabuki makeup and attire, which conveyed narrative and emotional depth in traditional Japanese theater.

Technique & Style

Hokuei employed characteristic woodblock print techniques: bold ink lines, vibrant color, and textured patterns (e.g., the actor's robe, dark cross-hatched background, and light blue framing). The close-up composition accentuates the actor's expressive makeup and costume details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1835, this print is one of Hokuei's contributions to the Tōsei keshōkagami series, documenting Edo-period (1603-1868) Kabuki aesthetics. It is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Context

The print reflects the Edo period's fascination with Kabuki theater and its stylized makeup (kabuki-gekijo), which played a crucial role in storytelling. The series Tōsei keshōkagami showcased these styles to a broader audience.

Legacy

As part of the Tōsei keshōkagami series, this print contributes to the historical record of Kabuki's visual aesthetics in the 19th century, influencing later representations of the theater and its traditions in Japanese art.

戯画堂芦幸画 二代目嵐橘三郎 「ひらかな盛衰記」|Kabuki Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō II as Kajiwara Heiji, in the play Hiragana seisuiki (Records of the Battles between the Minamoto and Taira Clans in the Japanese Syllabary)
戯画堂芦幸画 二代目嵐橘三郎 「ひらかな盛衰記」|Kabuki Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō II as Kajiwara Heiji, in the play Hiragana seisuiki (Records of the Battles between the Minamoto and Taira Clans in the Japanese Syllabary), Gigadō Ashiyuki

Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted 春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time)?

春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time) was painted by Shunbaisai Hokuei 春梅斎北英 in 1835.

Where can I see 春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time)?

春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time)?

春梅斎北英画 二代目嵐璃寛 『当世化粧鏡』|Kabuki Actor Arashi Rikan II as Akogi Heiji, from the print series Tōsei keshōkagami (Makeup Mirrors of Our Time) is associated with Romanticism.