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東海寄談音児館|Onoe Kikugorō V as Otowake Neko no ke (Right), Bandō Mitsugorō IV as Aishō Michinoku (Center), Onoe Kikugorō V as Isogai Mibunosuke (Left) in the Kabuki play Tōkai Kidan Nekomata Yashiki

Toyohara Kunichika

1870

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Ukiyo-e Late 19th Century Actor

Dominant colour

東海寄談音児館|Onoe Kikugorō V as Otowake Neko no ke (Right), Bandō Mitsugorō IV as Aishō Michinoku (Center), Onoe Kikugorō V as Isogai Mibunosuke (Left) in the Kabuki play Tōkai Kidan Nekomata Yashiki is a 1870 ink by Toyohara Kunichika, a Impressionism work, depicting Actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Toyohara Kunichika
When & what style?: 1870 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This triptych shows three actors in bright, stylized costumes. The left figure wears a green and red outfit, holding a sword. The center figure, in blue, holds a fan and flowers. The right figure has long hair, a yellow robe, and a brown pouch. The background is dark with swirling clouds and small details like birds. The actors play roles in a kabuki play, a traditional Japanese theater style. Their exaggerated faces and bold colors make the emotions pop. Look up actor next to see how performers like these shaped theater.