Toyohara Kunichika

1835-1900

The Popularity of the Upstairs Dressing Room: Onoe Taganojo II as Ohan, the Daughter of Shinanoya
(Gakuya no nikai kage no hyoban: Shina han musume, Onoe Taganojo)

signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu with his red Toshidama seal, the title at the upper left, Gakuya no nikai kage no hyoban: Shina han musume, Onoe Taganojo, the artist's address and birth name in the blue seal, Gako Arakawa Yasohachi, Asakusa, followed by the block carver's red seal Hori Gen, and the publisher's seal in yellow, Takazawa Fusajiro, with his address in Fukagawa, ca. 1883

oban tate-e 14 7/8 by 9 7/8 in., 37.7 by 25 cm

The actor Onoe Taganojo II (184901899) is in the role of Ohan, a young daughter of Shinanoya from the play Kore wa Myoga Kidai no Ryoyaku performed at the Shintomiza Theatre in January 27th, 1883. The play relates to the love story of Shinanoya Ohan and Obiya Choemon. The actor is partially hidden behind the shoji (sliding door) with an assistant visible in silhouette holding an elaborate wig befitting a female role. The banner hanging above his head is inscribed, hikimaku (kabuki curtain), itcho (one set), and the actor's yago (guild name), Otowaya san.

References:
Amy Reigle Newland, Time Present and Time Past: Images of a Forgotten Master: Toyohara Kunichika, 1999, p. 114, cat. no. 88
Tokyo Metropolitan Library, archive.library.metro.tokyo.jp, acquisition no. M348-35
(inv. no. 10-5001)

price: $775