Ichikawa Kuzō II Dancing the Character of Imayōshi Benisuke under an Old White Prunus Tree

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) - Ichikawa Kuzō II Dancing the Character of Imayōshi Benisuke under an Old White Prunus Tree
Shosagoto, dance-dramas in the kabuki repertoire, are considered the greatest test of an actor’s skill. They were therefore only assigned to the greatest of actors. Imayōshi was a form of popular song and Benisuke or Kōsuke (in a variant reading) probably danced to such music. In this print, the principal motif is the white prunus tree in the background with the inscription tōjiume (the prunus blossoming in winter). (See Helena Honcoopová, Kunisada, Praha 2005, p. 136)
date:
measurements: height 38 cm
width 25,5 cm
material: paper
technique: Colour woodblock print
inscription:
inventory number: Vm 5033
gallery collection: Collection of Asian and African Art