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当世好男子伝」松 「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden)

Utagawa Kunisada , 1854

当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden), by Utagawa Kunisada, ink, 1854
当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden), by Utagawa Kunisada, ink, 1854

当世好男子伝」松 「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Kunisada. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.
JP3360
Credit line
Gift of Lincoln Kirstein, 1960

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print is part of a triptych created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1854. It is one of three sheets that together form a cohesive image, held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to the character Lu Zhishen from the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. The character's tattoos and attire signify his role and personality.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by bold colors and intricate designs, with the subject wearing a bright blue headpiece and a red, patterned robe. The use of ink and color on paper showcases Kunisada's skill in creating detailed, vibrant woodblock prints.

Context

The print is part of the series A Modern Water Margin, which reinterprets classic characters in a contemporary setting. Kunisada's work reflects the popularity of kabuki theater and the Water Margin story during the Edo period.

「当世好男子伝」松　「行者武松に比す腕の喜三郎」　初代河原崎権十郎|The Actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ude no Kisaburō, likened to Wu Song the Ascetic (Gyōja Bushō ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden)
「当世好男子伝」松　「行者武松に比す腕の喜三郎」　初代河原崎権十郎|The Actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ude no Kisaburō, likened to Wu Song the Ascetic (Gyōja Bushō ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden), Utagawa Kunisada

Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted 当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden)?

当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden) was painted by Utagawa Kunisada in 1854.

Where can I see 当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden)?

当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden)?

当世好男子伝」松　「花和尚魯智深に比す朝比奈藤兵衛」|The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden) is associated with Impressionism.