The Onnagata Actor Nakamura Senya I, in the role of Tokonatsu in the play, Mitsudomoe katoku biraki

Catalog note / 解説

Red lead (tan) was used to color prints. It was the second development of ukiyo-e technique, the first being black and white prints, or sumizuri-e. This is perhaps one of the finest prints of its kind. According to James A. Michener, “when the Japanese publishers of the Ukiyo-e Taisei (which reproduced over 5000 prints) sought a distinctive cover for their series, they chose this Kiyomasu, and as a result it has become the most widely known of all tan-e. The position of the actor, his balance, the counter posing of the umbrella, and the harsh modeling of the drapery combine to produce a most striking design.” (from Daring Moves Exhibition, 8/1/06-) ALT TEXT Kiyomasu was a member of the pres…