Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku Performance
Katsukawa Shunkō Japanese
Not on view
The Ichikawa family was renowned for playing heroic "Shibaraku!" roles. Shown here in such a performance, Monnosuke II (1743–1794) wears a persimmon red robe with a huge family crest of three nested squares (mimasu) on each of his large sleeves. His face shows red lines on white makeup, and he wears an elaborate wig. Shunkō portrayed the famous Ichikawa family actor striking a pose (mie) at a climactic moment to make a powerful impression on the audience.
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