Accession Number1969/2.147
TitleBackstage Celebrations of a Full-house Hit at the Ichimura Theater
Artist(s)Utagawa KunisadaArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1811Medium & Supportwoodblock print on paperDimensions 14 1/2 in x 9 13/16 in (36.83 cm x 24.92 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase for the Paul Leroy Grigaut Memorial CollectionSubject matterThis print shows the interior of the Ichimura-za theatre, one of three kabuki theatres in Edo (Tokyo) and home to many famous kabuki actors. The theatre opened in 1667. It burned down and was rebuilt several times through the nineteenth and early twentieth century. However, after burning in 1932 it was never rebuilt.
Physical DescriptionSeveral men sit on a red mat in the center of the image, surrounded by movement. While they eat, behind them men are taking care of make-up, while in front others are busily moving equipment. Furniture and open boxes add to the business of the scene. Small blocks of text hovering nearby identify each individual.
This is the center panel of a triptych (with 1969/2.146 and 1969/2.148).
Inscriptions: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Publisher's seal); Kunisada ga (Artist's signature)
Primary Object ClassificationPrintCollection AreaAsianRightsIf 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 (performing artists)
backstages
calligraphy
interiors
theaters (institutions)