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The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Otatsu-gitsune in the Play Nue no Mori Ichiyo no Mato
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The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Otatsu-gitsune in the Play Nue no Mori Ichiyo no Mato
The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Otatsu-gitsune in the Play Nue no Mori Ichiyo no Mato, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770, c. 1770
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Media ID 24376387
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Buncho Buncho Ippitsusai Butterflies Butterfly Cross Dressing Drag Female Impersonator Hanshiro Iwai Hosoban Insect Insects Ippitsusai Bunchō Iwai Hanshiro Iwai Hanshiro Iv Kabuki Kabuki Actor Kishi Mori Onnagata Oyama Colour Woodblock Print Playhouse
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This 18th-century woodblock print, titled "The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Otatsu-gitsune in the Play Nue no Mori Ichiyo no Mato" transports us to the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan. Created by the talented artist Ippitsusai Buncho, this piece showcases the remarkable artistry and theatricality of kabuki performances. In this scene, we witness the mesmerizing transformation of actor Iwai Hanshiro IV into the character Otatsu-gitsune. Dressed in an exquisite kimono adorned with intricate patterns and colors, he embodies both grace and strength. The delicate butterflies fluttering around him symbolize his ethereal presence on stage. Kabuki theater was known for its male actors portraying female roles, a tradition upheld by performers like Hanshiro IV. As an onnagata or female impersonator, he mastered not only feminine gestures but also conveyed deep emotions through his acting prowess. The attention to detail in this woodblock print is astounding - from every fold in Hanshiro's costume to each strand of hair meticulously depicted. The use of vibrant colors adds depth and richness to the composition while capturing the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Displayed at the Art Institute Chicago's Asian Arts collection, this artwork serves as a testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy. It invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where drama meets beauty, where centuries-old traditions continue to captivate audiences even today.
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