Accession Number
2003/1.519

Title
Iwai Shijaku [I] as the keisei (courtesan) ..., by the seashore, in the series Spring Scenery ...

Artist(s)
Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1822-1844

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
15 in. x 10 1/16 in. ( 38.1 cm x 25.6 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
In this print, a woman squats on a beach, holding a shell out in her right hand.  She is barefoot, wearing an orange robe with a turquoise border.  At her feet are several shells and a basket, and a wave rises up behind her.  Green mountains are visible in the background.
 
Inscriptions: Artist’s signature: Kuniyoshi ga; Publisher’s seal: Kawashō; Censor’s seal: Kiwame; Kewaizaka no Shōshō

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
actors (performing artists)
cowrie shell
kabuki
seashores
theater (discipline)