Arashi Rikan II as Miyamoto Musashi

Gigadō Ashiyuki 戯画堂芦幸 Japanese

Not on view

In a scene set in snowy hills, the noted Osaka actor Arashi Rikan II (1788–1837) plays a role inspired by the famous medieval warrior and swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (ca. 1584–1645). The hokku (17-syllable poem) by the actor reads:

Yuku michi o
saguri-ashi nari
oborozuki

Along the path I pursue,
my feet find the way
beneath the misty moon.

Arashi Rikan II as Miyamoto Musashi, Gigadō Ashiyuki 戯画堂芦幸 (Japanese, active ca. 1813–34), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); vertical ōban, Japan

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