Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Chivalrous Commoner (Gonin Otoko) from the Play "Hatsumonbi kuruwa Soga"

2nd month, 1780

Not on view

Famous actors are dressed as chivalrous commoners (otokodate), the fearless street toughs who protected ordinary people from lawless hatamoto samurai. Here, the actors strike their characteristic poses (mie), with Danjuro V appearing leftmost. Shunsho presents the five in kimono on which is the emblem of each particular role, along with actor's family crest. In the designs on Danjuro V's costume are the character sen under crossed hammers on the outer garment (haori) and the family crest of three nested squares on his inner garment, which is partially obscured.

Artwork Details

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Exhibition History

Title: Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Chivalrous Commoner (Gonin Otoko) from the Play "Hatsumonbi kuruwa Soga"
Artist: Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 (Japanese, 1726–1792)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 2nd month, 1780
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pentaptych of woodblock prints (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Overall: H. 12 5/16 (31.3 cm); W. 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1918 (JP396a-d); Rogers Fund, 1922 (JP396e)
Object Number: JP396a–e
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Samurai Ready to Fight, Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 Japanese, Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan — The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Samurai Ready to Fight
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The Actor Nakamura Nakazo with a Sword, Fighting the Actor Ichikawa Raizo II who is Armed with a Lance, Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 Japanese, Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan — The Actor Nakamura Nakazo with a Sword, Fighting the Actor Ichikawa Raizo II who is Armed with a Lance
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Danjurō V as Kakogawa Honzō with a Komuso Hat and a Flageolet, Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 Japanese, Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan — Danjurō V as Kakogawa Honzō with a Komuso Hat and a Flageolet
Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章

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