Accession Number
2003/1.429

Title
Iwai Shijaku [I] as the courtesan (oiran) Shiratama

Artist(s)
Utagawa Kunisada

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1822-1844

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
14 15/16 in. x 10 3/16 in. ( 38 cm x 25.8 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. James Hayes

Subject matter
Iwai Shijaku I was also known as Iwai Hanshiro VII.  He was the oldest son of Iwai Hanshirō V.  He was born in 1804 and active from 1806 until his death in 1845.  He spent time acting in Edo as well as Osaka.

Physical Description
The woman in this print is dressed in an elaborate robe of many layers and colors.  The sash, tied in the front, is beige with gold and blue patterns.  Her hair is decorated with large pins, and she holds a folded paper in her hand.  A sword is visible next to her, and there are lines of calligraphy in the space above her.
 
Inscriptions: Artist’s signature: Kunisada ga; Publisher’s seal: Tsutakichi; Censor’s seal: Kiwame; Shiratama, Iwai Shijaku

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
actors
kabuki
kimonos
swords
theater (discipline)