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An Actor Holding Two Swords by Toyokuni Ii
Triptych of Kabuki Actors (1)
An Actor Holding Two Swords by Toyokuni Ii
An Actor Holding Two Swords by Toyokuni Ii

Triptych of Kabuki Actors (1)

Artist (Tokyo, Japan, 1777 - 1835)
Date1825-1830
Mediumcolour woodcut on paper
ClassificationsPrints
DimensionsPlate Size: Height: 37 cm, Width: 25.9 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1955 by Miss Hogarty.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008485
Keywords
About MeToyoshige was a son-in-law of Toyokuni I and was best known for portraits of actors and beautiful women. He inherited his master's name 'Toyokuni' after Toyokuni I died in 1825. His style shows a close resemblance to his master's late period, and thus his achievements have been hidden by Toyokuni I's great fame. It is sometimes difficult to identify their works, but the handwriting of their signatures shows the difference.

This typical actor's portrait by Toyokuni II is most likely a component of a triptych (the right panel), together with ABDAG008484. The name of the actor, Seki Sanjuro (1786-1839), is shown in the top space. The mark on his costume is his acting crest.
The black and pale blue of the costume with the green of the pine trees in the background create a refined and plain surface, which shows Toyokuni I and II's typical colouration. The depiction of the actor's odd posture with his head sticking out of his body is characteristic of this period.
Pine trees and plum trees are the most popular symbols of felicity along with bamboo in Japan.
More About Me

The Japanese word "Kabuki" translates to "sing, dance, skill" or "The art of singing and dancing".