The Actor Iwai Kumesaburō II as Agemaki

Catalog note / 解説

At the time he created this print, Utagawa Toyokuni II was using the name Toyoshige. He took the name of his teacher, Utagawa Toyokuni I, in 1826, one year after the latter's death. His style can be so similar to that of his mentor that sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two. In this print, Toyokuni II shows the actor Iwai Kumesaburô II playing the celebrated courtesan Agemaki. It is still the tradition in Kabuki theatre for male actors to play both male and female roles. In the Edo period (1615-1868), some female impersonators were considered the epitome of feminine beauty. Women would have no doubt admired the style and poise of the actor in this print. Materials: Woodblock p…