Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei)
Kunichika, a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada, produced a large number of actor prints in his early career; later, during the Meiji period, he popularized the triptych format.
This print portrays the handsome actor Sawamura Gennosuke III (1804–1863) as reflected in a mirror in his room backstage. Gennosuke wears a cotton kimono and assumes a relaxed pose, holding a teacup from which steam rises and wiping his neck with a towel. Containers of makeup and tools for applying it appear below and beside the mirror.
This print portrays the handsome actor Sawamura Gennosuke III (1804–1863) as reflected in a mirror in his room backstage. Gennosuke wears a cotton kimono and assumes a relaxed pose, holding a teacup from which steam rises and wiping his neck with a towel. Containers of makeup and tools for applying it appear below and beside the mirror.
Artwork Details
- 写真楽屋鑑 2代目澤村 訥升
- Title: Sawamura Tosshō II (1838–86), from the series Mirror of Photographs Backstage (Shashin gakuya kagami - Sawamura Tosshō nisei)
- Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835–1900)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: ca. 1859–61
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 14 1/4 × 9 3/4 in. (36.2 × 24.8 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, Jack Greene Gift, 2001
- Object Number: 2001.715.1
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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