Ichikawa Danjūrō VII Admiring Ichikawa Danjūrō I in an Inset Portrait

1819

Not on view

The prominent Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII (1791–1859) gazes at a portrait of his ancestor Danjūrō I (1660–1704). Seemingly in confrontation, the men adopt exaggerated poses (mie) and lance each other with piercing gazes. The famous family crest of three nested squares (mimasu) is incorporated into the design of the actors' costumes and into the frame of the portrait of Danjūrō I. The print also includes two kyōka (witty thirty-one-syllable poems).

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歌川国貞画　七代目市川団十郎と初代市川団十郎
Title: Ichikawa Danjūrō VII Admiring Ichikawa Danjūrō I in an Inset Portrait
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786–1864)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 1819
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock print (surimono); ink, color and metallic pigment on paper; shikishiban
Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (21.6 x 19.1 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Jack Greene Gift, 2001
Object Number: 2001.715.3
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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