Drag Collection (page 4)

The Actors Otani Hiroji III as Yokambei (right), Nakamura Tomijuro I as Kuzunoha (ce, ... c. 1776. Creator: Shunsho)
The Actors Otani Hiroji III as Yokambei (right), Nakamura Tomijuro I as Kuzunoha (center), and Bando Mitsugoro I as Yakambei (left)

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as the Spirit of Joro-gumo (Harlot Spider) Disguised as... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as the Spirit of Joro-gumo (Harlot Spider) Disguised as the Maiko Tsumagiku (right), and Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Urabe no Suetake (left)

The Actors Nakamura Nakazo I as Hata Rokurozaemon Disguised as the Samurai's Manservant... c. 1776
The Actors Nakamura Nakazo I as Hata Rokurozaemon Disguised as the Samurai's Manservant (Yakko) Igaguri Hanehei (left), and Nakamura Noshio I as the Lady-in-Waiting Koto no Naishi (right)

The Actors Matsumoto Koshiro IV and Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lovers Choemon (right)... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Matsumoto Koshiro IV and Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lovers Choemon (right) and Ohan (left), in the Elopement Scene "Michiyuki Segawa no Adanami" (An Elopement)

The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Fox-Wife from Furui, in a Dance Sequence (Shosagoto)... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Fox-Wife from Furui, in a Dance Sequence (Shosagoto) in Part Two of the Play Izu-goyomi Shibai no Ganjitsu (First Perfomance Day of the Izu Calendar)

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Lady Shizuka (Shizkua Gozen) Disguised as Tamazusa in... c. 1777. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Lady Shizuka (Shizkua Gozen) Disguised as Tamazusa in the Play Chigo Torii Tobiiri Kitsune, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1777, Japan, c

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Yasukata (right), and Iwai Hanshiro IV as Utou (left)... c. 1782. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Yasukata (right), and Iwai Hanshiro IV as Utou (left) in the Play Godai Genji Mitsugi no Furisode, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1782

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo II as the Wet Nurse Reizei, Ichikawa Komazo I as Suruga no... c. 1768. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo II as the Wet Nurse Reizei, Ichikawa Komazo I as Suruga no Hachiro in the Guise of the Shamisen Player Kichiroku (right)

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Karigane Obun, Nakayama Tomisaburo I as An no Oyasu... c. 1792. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Karigane Obun, Nakayama Tomisaburo I as An no Oyasu, Iwai Kiyotaro II as Kaminari no Osha, Nakayama Tatezo I as Gokuin no Osen

Matsumoto Koshiro IV and Nakayama Tomisaburo, the left hand sheet of a triptych entitle... c. 1784
Matsumoto Koshiro IV and Nakayama Tomisaburo, the left hand sheet of a triptych entitled "Six Actors Likened to the Immortal Poets" ("Yakusha Rokkasen"), Japan, c. 1784

The Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II and Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lovers Seijuro (right)... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II and Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lovers Seijuro (right) and Onatsu (left), in the Elopement Scene "Michiyuki Hiyoku no Kiku-cho" (An Elopemet)

The Actors Otani Tomoemon I as Emohei (right), and Sanogawa Ichimatsu II as Sanada Yoi... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Otani Tomoemon I as Emohei (right), and Sanogawa Ichimatsu II as Sanada Yoichi (left), in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kume no Heinaizaemon Disguised as the Street Fortune-tel... c. 1783. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kume no Heinaizaemon Disguised as the Street Fortune-teller Kosaka Jinnai, in the Play Kotobuki Banzei Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1783

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Kojoro-gitsune Disguised as the Florist Okiku in the P... c. 1780. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Kojoro-gitsune Disguised as the Florist Okiku in the Play Mure Takamatsu Yuki no Shirahata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1780, Japan, c

The Actors Sawamura Sojuro II as the priest Shunkan and Azuma Tozo II as Oyasu in the... c. 1768. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Sawamura Sojuro II as the priest Shunkan and Azuma Tozo II as Oyasu in the play "Hime Komatsu Ne no Hi Asobi (Outing to Pick Pine Seedlings on the Rat-Day of the New Year)"

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III (right) as Ochiyo, and Bando Mitsugoro I (left) as the... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III (right) as Ochiyo, and Bando Mitsugoro I (left) as the Greengrocer Hambei, in the Play Kabuki no Hana Bandai Soga

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lady-in-Waiting Suho Disguised as Tsunokuniya Tsun... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Lady-in-Waiting Suho Disguised as Tsunokuniya Tsuna, in the Play Shitenno Tonoi no Kisewata, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1781, Japan

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Miura no Katagai Disuigsed as the Nun Narukami, in the... c. 1780. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Miura no Katagai Disuigsed as the Nun Narukami, in the Play Ume-goyomi Akebono Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Second Month, 1780, Japan, c. 1780

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Courtesan Kisewata (Tagasode) (?) in the Play Hana... c. 1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Courtesan Kisewata (Tagasode) (?) in the Play Hana-zumo Genji Hiiki (?), Performed at the Nakamura Theater (?) in the Eleventh Month, 1775 (?), Japan, c. 1775

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Spirit of a Mandarin Duck (Oshidori) Disguised as Taga... c. 1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Spirit of a Mandarin Duck (Oshidori) Disguised as Tagasode, in the Play Hana-zumo Genji Hiiki, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1775, Japan

The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shimokobe Shoji Yukihira, in the Play Gohiiki Kanjin... c. 1773. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shimokobe Shoji Yukihira, in the Play Gohiiki Kanjincho (Your Favorite Play Kanjincho [The Subscription List])

The Actor Segawa Yujiro I as Matsukaze, Sister of Togashi no Saemon, in the Play Gohiik... c. 1773. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Yujiro I as Matsukaze, Sister of Togashi no Saemon, in the Play Gohiiki Kanjincho (Your Favorite Play Kanjincho [The Subscription List])

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV in the "Sangai-gasa" (Triple-Umbrella) Dance Interlude of... c. 1771
The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV in the "Sangai-gasa" (Triple-Umbrella) Dance Interlude of the Joruri "Yukashii wa Miyako no Naredoko"

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Yuki Onna (the Snow Woman) in a dance interlude in scen... c. 1770. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Yuki Onna (the Snow Woman) in a dance interlude in scene two of the Joruri "Courtesan's Rouge on a Snow White Face (Oyama Beni Yuki no Sugao)

The Actors Arashi Hinaji I (right), and Ichikawa Komazo II (left), as Princess Sakura... c. 1769. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Arashi Hinaji I (right), and Ichikawa Komazo II (left), as Princess Sakura (Sakura Hime) (?) and Shimizu Tonoinosuke (?), in the Play Soga Moyo Aigo no Wakamatsu ()

The Actors Onoe Tamizo I as Nishikigi (?) or Otae (?) (right), Ichikawa Danjuro V as... c. 1778. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Onoe Tamizo I as Nishikigi (?) or Otae (?) (right), Ichikawa Danjuro V as Miura Heidayu Kunitae (?) (center), and Osagawa Tsuneyo II as Oyuki ()

The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Okoma (right), and Arashi Sangoro III as the Hairdres... c. 1776. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Segawa Kikunojo III as Okoma (right), and Arashi Sangoro III as the Hairdresser Obana Saizaburo (left), in the Play Koi Musume Mukashi Hachijo

The Actors Onoe Kikugoro III (right) as Shirokiya Okoma and Matsumoto Koshiro V...c. 1816. Creator: Utagawa Toyokuni I
The Actors Onoe Kikugoro III (right) as Shirokiya Okoma and Matsumoto Koshiro V (left) as her lover Saiza, c. 1816

Hamamuraya: Segawa Kikunojo III as the courtesan Koman, from the series "Portraits of... 1795
Hamamuraya: Segawa Kikunojo III as the courtesan Koman, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)", 1795

Yamatoya: Iwai Hanshiro IV as Katanaya Ohana, from the series "Portraits of Actors on... 1794
Yamatoya: Iwai Hanshiro IV as Katanaya Ohana, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)", 1794

Yamatoya: Iwai Hanshiro IV as Okaru, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage...", 1795
Yamatoya: Iwai Hanshiro IV as Okaru, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)", 1795

Hamamuraya: Segawa Kikunojo III, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage...", c. 1794
Hamamuraya: Segawa Kikunojo III, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)", c. 1794

The actors Iwai Hanshiro VI, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Kintoki, and Ichikawa Ebizo V... 1833. Creator: Utagawa Kunisada
The actors Iwai Hanshiro VI, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Kintoki, and Ichikawa Ebizo V as the woodcutter Nekko no Yokizo, 1833

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Michichiba in the Play Azuma no Mori Sakae Kusunoki... c. 1779. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Michichiba in the Play Azuma no Mori Sakae Kusunoki, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1779, Japan, c. 1779

The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as the Courtesan Kewaizaka no Shosho in the Play Sono... c. 1776. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as the Courtesan Kewaizaka no Shosho in the Play Sono Kyodai Fuji no Sugatami, Performed at the Morita Theater in the First Month, 1776, Japan, c. 1776

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III (?) or Segawa Otome (?) as a Shirabyoshi Dancer in Musume... c. 1783. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III (?) or Segawa Otome (?) as a Shirabyoshi Dancer in Musume Dojo-ji, in the Play Edo no Hana Mimasu Soga (?) or Buke no Hana Musume no Adauchi ()

Kabuki Stars Before a Gracious Waterfall (Arigataki megumi no hanagata), 1883. Creator: Toyohara Kunichika
Kabuki Stars Before a Gracious Waterfall (Arigataki megumi no hanagata), 1883. Detail from a larger artwork

The Actors Arashi Sangoro II as Minamoto no Yoritomo (right), Segawa Kikunojo II as Yuk... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Arashi Sangoro II as Minamoto no Yoritomo (right), Segawa Kikunojo II as Yuki Onna (center), and Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Kajiwara Genta no Kagetoki, in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Courtesan Kisegawa in a "Nuno Sarashi" Dance, in... c. 1775
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Courtesan Kisegawa in a "Nuno Sarashi" Dance, in the Play Hana-zumo Genji Hiiki, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1775, Japan

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as the courtesan Agemaki in the play "Sukeroku Yukari no... c. 1776. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as the courtesan Agemaki in the play "Sukeroku Yukari no Hatsu-zakura, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the third month, 1776, Japan, c. 1776

Tennojiya Riko (The actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as the maid Ebizo Okane of the Ouchiya... 1794)
Tennojiya Riko (The actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as the maid Ebizo Okane of the Ouchiya [actually Iwate, wife of Sadato]), 1794

The actors Nakajima Wadaemon (R) as Bodara Chozaemon and Nakamura Konozo (L)... 1794. Creator: Toshusai Sharaku
The actors Nakajima Wadaemon (R) as Bodara Chozaemon and Nakamura Konozo (L) as Gon of the boat-keeper Kanagawaya, 1794

The actors Segawa Tomisaburo II (R) as Yadorigi, wife of Ogishi Kurando, and Nakamura... 1794
The actors Segawa Tomisaburo II (R) as Yadorigi, wife of Ogishi Kurando, and Nakamura Manyo (L) as the servant Wakakusa, 1794

The actors Segawa Kikunojo III (R) as the courtesan Katsuragi and Sawamura Sojuro... 1794. Creator: Toshusai Sharaku
The actors Segawa Kikunojo III (R) as the courtesan Katsuragi and Sawamura Sojuro III (L) as Nagoya Sanza Motoharu, 1794

The Actor Sanjo Kantaro II as Oshichi in the play "Nanakusa Fukki Soga, " performed at the, 1718
The Actor Sanjo Kantaro II as Oshichi in the play "Nanakusa Fukki Soga, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1718

The Actor Nakamura Matsue as Oshichi in the play "Fujibumi Sakae Soga, " performed at the... 1763
The Actor Nakamura Matsue as Oshichi in the play "Fujibumi Sakae Soga, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the second month, 1763

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo I as Hanjo in the play "Tsumagoi Sumidagawa, " performed...1733
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo I as Hanjo in the play "Tsumagoi Sumidagawa, " performed at the Nakamura Theater in the third month, 1733

The Actor Sanjo Kantaro II as Oshichi in the play "Nanakusa Fukki Soga, " performed at the... 1718
The Actor Sanjo Kantaro II as Oshichi in the play "Nanakusa Fukki Soga, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1718, 1718

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Unleashing the Power of Drag: A Journey through Time and Expression" Step into a world where boundaries are shattered, stereotypes challenged, and creativity reigns supreme. From Danny La Rue's iconic portrayal as a female impersonator in 1965 to Cecil Aldin's whimsical illustration of dogs walking in drag, the art has captivated hearts and minds for decades. In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Billy Wilder's publicity still for "Some Like It Hot" showcased how drag could be both hilarious and empowering. The Rocky Twins took it a step further by transforming themselves into the enchanting Dolly Sisters in Paris, proving that gender is merely a costume we wear. But drag isn't confined to stages or screens alone; it takes flight even at great heights. The Handley Page HP-80 Victor soared through the skies with its own flamboyant flair, defying expectations just like those who embrace this art form. Fortunino Matania's captivating painting "A Concert behind the Lines" reminds us that even during times of war, drag provided solace and entertainment—a testament to its enduring power to uplift spirits. As time marched on, so did the evolution of drag. In 1965, Danny La Rue continued to push boundaries with his mesmerizing performances that blurred lines between genders. Meanwhile, Sangers Circus cyclist pedaled fearlessly through Haverfordwest while donning fabulous attire—proof that anyone can find their inner diva on two wheels. Not limited by geography or culture either, Foujita embraced drag across continents—an artist unafraid to challenge societal norms wherever he went. And let us not forget Henri Clark's poignant music sheet depicting "The Poor Washerwoman, " reminding us that beneath layers of fabric lies stories waiting to be heard. From Hayle Carnival in Cornwall came The Penmare Boozy-Doos—drag enthusiasts who celebrated individuality amidst cheers and applause.