Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
The subject of this print, the actor Nakamura Gentarō, was an onnagata, or specialist in playing female roles. Although Kabuki began with all-female casts, in 1629 the Japanese government prohibited women from participating because their presence onstage was considered too erotic. However, substituting men for women did little to quell audience infatuations. As a result, onnagatas became popular with both potential suitors and followers of fashion.
Caption
Torii Kiyonobu I (Japanese, 1664–1729). Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome, circa 1702. Woodblock print, Sheet: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm) Image: 20 1/8 x 12 1/4 in. (51.1 x 31.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Louis V. Ledoux, 48.15.10. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome
Date
circa 1702
Period
Edo Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Woodblock print
Classification
Dimensions
Sheet: 28 x 22 in. (71.1 x 55.9 cm) Image: 20 1/8 x 12 1/4 in. (51.1 x 31.1 cm)
Markings
Two collectors' seals at lower right: Oval seal: Wakai Kenzaburo (1834-1908, influential Japanese collector/dealer of prints, opened a business in Paris, left his seal on much of what he sold) Shisei zo (this is the seal of Sekine Shisei (died 1893), also known as Shichibei, a collector of prints and printed books)
Credit Line
Gift of Louis V. Ledoux
Accession Number
48.15.10
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