Ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune and Iganokotarō Asayuki, Utagawa Kunisada

Artwork Overview

Utagawa Kunisada, Ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune and Iganokotarō Asayuki
Utagawa Kunisada, Ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune and Iganokotarō Asayuki
Utagawa Kunisada
Ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune and Iganokotarō Asayuki
1852, 6th month, Edo period (1600–1868)
Utagawa Kunisada
1786–1864
Ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune and Iganokotarō Asayuki, 1852, 6th month, Edo period (1600–1868)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: color woodcut
Dimensions:
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 368.3 x 260.4 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 14 1/2 x 10 1/4 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 19 x 14 in
Credit line: Gift of H. Lee Turner
Accession number: 1968.0001.124
Not on display
Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Archive Label date unknown: An actor famous for his portrayals of ghosts was Nakamura Utaemon IV. Shortly after the actor's death in 1852, Utagawa Kunisada designed a memorial portrait of Utaemon IV as the ghost of Iga Shikibunojō Mitsumune. The print depicts the actor in a dual role as both human and ghost. In both cases he shows a "mie," a pose in which the actor crosses one eye, which is performed at emotiona lhigh points in all kabuki. The hands of the ghost are held chest high in an Esoteric Buddhist mudra, because the print was issued as a memorial to the actor.