Arashi Rikan II as Danshichi Kurōbei in "Mirror of Naniwa: The Summer Festival"

Held by the Cleveland Museum of Art and dated 1832, this print depicts Arashi Rikan II in the role of Danshichi Kurobei in the play known as Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami (Mirror of Naniwa: The Summer Festival), one of the most enduring works in the kabuki repertoire. Written in 1745 by Namiki Senryu I, the play tells the story of Danshichi, a Osaka fishmonger turned outlaw who ultimately commits a famous mud-soaked murder of his villainous father-in-law during the summer Tenma festival. The role of Danshichi was a signature part for Rikan II, and Hokuei portrayed him in it multiple times. The 1832 production at Osaka's Kado-no-Shibai theater was a milestone in the early 1830s revival of Kamigata kabuki. Hokuei's portrait captures Rikan II in the heavily tattooed body makeup that defines the role, the design of his loincloth, and the half-bared upper body that audiences associated with the most thrilling scenes of the play. The Cleveland Museum of Art holds an impression with excellent registration and color, reflecting the premium Osaka printing standards of the period.