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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

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Actor

Dominant colour

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 a 1854 ink by Utagawa Kunisada, a Impressionism work, depicting Actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Utagawa Kunisada
When & what style?: 1854 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows a man in a dramatic pose, wearing a bright blue headpiece and a red, patterned robe. His chest is bare, revealing intricate tattoos of flowers and vines. He holds a fan and a scroll, with a stern expression and a slight smirk. The background has dark clouds and a few bare branches. The tattoos aren’t just decoration—they’re a key part of his character. This print is one of three, and the man is playing a role from a famous story. Next, look up Utagawa Kunisada to see more of his bold, colorful prints.