Accession Number2003/1.494.1
TitleThe Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Nakamura Utaemon IV as Koshō Hōsaku
Artist(s)Utagawa KunisadaArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1849Medium & Supportwoodblock print on paperDimensions 14 7/16 in x 9 15/16 in (36.6 cm x 25.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James HayesSubject matterActor Nakamura Utaemon IV was born in 1796 and active from 1813 until his death in 1852. He was best known for his roles in period plays and good at tachiyaku (lead protagonist), jitsuaku (villain), and onnagata (“female form” or “female role”) roles.
Physical DescriptionA barefoot man stands with one arm raised and the other holding a hoe behind him. He is wearing plain robes and his head is covered in a blue cloth. A spotlight illuminates the leaves behind him.
Inscriptions: Tsutaya, Kichizō (Publisher's seal); Mera/Murata (Censor's seal); Toyokuni (Signature); Koshō Hōsaku
This is the left panel of a triptych.
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
farmers (people in agriculture)
graveyards
kabuki
lanterns (lighting devices)
swords
theater (discipline)