“One-Legged Umbrella Monster” (Kasa ippon ashi)
Gosōtei Hirosada 五粽亭広貞 Japanese
Not on view
An unidentified Kabuki actor, perhaps Onoe Tamizo II, performs the role of the One-Legged Umbrella Monster. This delightful apparition is a type of “artifact spirit” (tsukumogami), referring to everyday objects or tools such as umbrellas, brooms, lanterns, sandals, or pots, that turn into ghosts or monsters after they are no longer used. They tend to be more mischievous than evil. When taking on this role, the actor would tie up one leg and hop around on stage.
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