Accession Number2003/1.494.2
TitleThe Flowers of Words and Fall Leaves at Peak Color: Bandō Shūka I as Wife Shirayu
Artist(s)Utagawa KunisadaArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1849-1850Medium & Supportwoodblock print on paperDimensions 14 7/16 in x 10 in (36.6 cm x 25.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James HayesSubject matterActor Bandō Shūka I also held the name Bandō Mitsugorō V. He was born in 1813 and active from 1824 until shortly before his death in 1854. He was known for both period and contemporary plays and for his portrayal of young
onnagata, a word that means “female form” or “female role”.
Physical DescriptionA woman wearing a multi-layered red robe looks over her shoulder at the legs and arm of a man off the print. The woman has blue flowers in her hair, and her robe is decorated with orange flowers. A spotlight illuminates the leaves behind her.
This is the center portion of a triptych.
Inscriptions: Okugata Shirayu; Tsutaya, Kichizō (Publisher's seal); Mera/Murata (Censor's seal); Toyokuni ga (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
graveyards
kabuki
kimonos
lanterns (lighting devices)
theater (discipline)