The Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō I (Kichisaburō II) as Prince Koretaka

Shunkōsai Hokushū Japanese

Not on view

The renowned Osaka actor Kitsusaburō I (best known as Rikan I, 1769–1821) is shown as Prince Koretaka, whose character was based on an actual member of the late ninth-century Heian court, but who was always represented more heroically in Kabuki plays. Grandly posed on a raised mat, he leans on a black lacquer armrest topped with a tiger pelt and decorated with tachibana (mandarin orange) patterns, referring to the actor’s newly acquired crest.
The hokku (17-syllable verse), by the actor himself, refers to the character’s retirement in Ono Village, near Mount Hiei:

Sakura chiru
Ono ni minori no
wakaba kana

As cherry blossoms scatter
at Ono, new leaves will appear,
just as Buddha teaches.

The Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō I (Kichisaburō II) as Prince Koretaka, Shunkōsai Hokushū (Japanese, active 1808–32), Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan

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The Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō I (Kichisaburō II) as Prince Koretaka, Shunkōsai Hokushū (Japanese, active 1808–32), Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan
The Actor Arashi Kitsusaburō I (Kichisaburō II) as Prince Koretaka, Shunkōsai Hokushū (Japanese, active 1808–32), Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan

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