The Actor Segawa Kikunojō as a Courtesan of the Ōmiya Brothel

Katsukawa Shunshō 勝川春章 Japanese

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Segawa Kikunojō III (1751–1810) was one of the top actors of his time in both male and female roles, but it was for his performances as an onnagata—especially in roles as courtesans and ingénues—that earned him the most acclaim. Here the character is bedecked in dramatic dragon robes, appropriate for a high-ranked courtesan. Here we have not yet been able to identify the play, but the entrance curtain behind the actor reads “Ōmiya,” recalling the name of the Naka-Ōmiya Brothel in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters.

The Actor Segawa Kikunojō as a Courtesan of the Ōmiya Brothel, Katsukawa Shunshō 勝川春章 (Japanese, 1726–1792), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan

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