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Artwork

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays

Utagawa Kunisada , 1814

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1814
Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1814

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Kunisada. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1985.333
Credit line
The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith

About this work

You see a kabuki actor in full makeup, eyes crossed, mouth tight, holding a plum branch like a lightning bolt.

You see a kabuki actor in full makeup, eyes crossed, mouth tight, holding a plum branch like a lightning bolt.

The red and white face paint, called kumadori, isn’t just decoration. It shows the actor becoming a thunder god mid-scene. The frozen pose, called a mie, is the big moment the crowd cheers for.

If you like this, look up japan, edo period (1615–1868) to see more prints of actors and daily life.

Overview

This print depicts Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in a dramatic scene from a Kabuki play, showcasing the actor's transformation into a vengeful thunder god.

Subject & Meaning

The actor's red-and-white kumadori makeup and mie pose convey intense emotion, highlighting a pivotal moment in the narrative where the character undergoes a sensational transformation.

Technique & Style

The print features the aragoto style, characterized by bold makeup and stylized movements influenced by Bunraku theater puppets, emphasizing the dramatic intensity of the scene.

Context

The work is part of a series of prints depicting famous Kabuki plays, reflecting the popularity of Kabuki theater during the Edo period.

Artist & collection

MORE BY UTAGAWA KUNISADA

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 93 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays?

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays was painted by Utagawa Kunisada in 1814.

Where can I see Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays?

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays?

Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays?

Museum-quality prints of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kan Shojo in the Mt. Tenpai Scene, from the series Famous Kabuki Plays are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.