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Object number2008.21

Actor Portraying Sukeroku

Artist (Japanese, ca. 1810-1864)
Date1848
Mediumwoodblock print
Dimensionsimage: 9 1/4 × 6 3/8 in. (23.5 × 16.2 cm)
sheet: 10 1/4 × 7 5/8 in. (26 × 19.4 cm)
mat: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)
Credit LineJoy Light East Asian Art Acquisition and Exhibition Fund
Exhibition History"The Arts of China and Japan: Selections from the Collection," KIA Joy Light Gallery of Asian Art (Dec. 15, 2012 - June 9, 2013). "Impressions: Printmaking in Japan," Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Joy Light Gallery of Asian Art (Apr. 1 - July 23, 2017). "Through the Years" KIA Galleries 2 & 5 (January 29 - April 30, 2021).Label TextHirosada Konishi was the most prolific Osaka-based ukiyo-e designer of the mid 19th century, known for his simple, sophisticated style. By 1852, he had designed about 800 single-sheet prints. That region is known for okubi-e (large head portraits) of Osaka kabuki actors. He studied under Kunisada Utagawa, whose work is also included in this exhibition. The character depicted is the samurai Sukeroku, title character in a popular kabuki play. He is identified on stage and in prints by specific accessories, including a distinctive purple headband.