Natori Shunsen, 1886-1960
Collection of Shunsen Portraits: Ichikawa Nakasha VII as Taju no Takechi Mitsuhide
(Shunsen Nigao-e Shu: Ichikawa Nakasha VII)
the actor dessed as General Takechi Mitsuhide in straw hat and cape, mica ground; with artist's seal Shunsen, and artist's approval seal Natori at lower left, 1926
dai oban tate-e 15 1/2 by 10 7/8 in., 39.4 by 27.5 cm
The role of Takechi Mitsuhide was based on the real traitor who caused the death of Lord Oda Nobunaga in 1582. Due to prohibitions in the Edo Period, the character was named Akechi Mitsuhide. The story was first published as a book (with neccessary name changes), Ehon Taikoki, by Okada Tamayama, between 1797-1802. It was adapted to a puppet play in 1799, and staged as a kabuki play the following year in Osaka. It was first performed in Edo in 1841.
Reference:
Yamaguchi Keizoro, Natori Shunsen (exhibition catalogue), Kushigata, 1991, no. 24
Exhibited:
Stage Idols: Japanese Kabuki Theater, The Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, February 2008 - January 2009
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