Ichikawa Danjūrō VII made up as Soga no Gorō

Utagawa Toyokuni I, artist

1769–1825

Ichikawa Danjūrō VII made up as Soga no Gorō, circa early 1820s, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: color woodcut

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 215 x 183 mm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 8 7/16 x 7 3/16 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 19 x 14 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.7638

Not on display

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Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

Surimono were widely used to commemorate special occasions, including kabuki theatre performances and actors. In this print, Danjurō VII, one of the most famous kabuki actors of the Edo period, regards his kumadori makeup in the mirror, possibly before he goes on stage. Kabuki theatre is known for its vibrant stylized makeup, which is used to express the personality traits of each character. Descendants of Danjurō are still acting, and are known for dramatic red makeup and massive, intricate costumes. This print provides an intimate view of the actor as he completes his backstage routine, as opposed to the staged scene of two kabuki actors, also on view in this section of the exhibition.