Actor Bandō Shinsui as Takechi Mitsuhide
- Date:
- 1865, 6th lunar month
- Medium:
- Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 36 × 24.3 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
This 1865 print depicts the actor Bandō Shinsui in the role of the treacherous Akechi Mitsuhide, who famously betrayed Oda Nobunaga at the Battle of Honnōji in 1582. Mitsuhide's motivations—whether wounded pride, political calculation, or genuine conviction—have been debated by historians and dramatized in kabuki for three centuries. Yoshitoshi's portrait captures the actor in a moment of brooding intensity, the role's historical weight evident in the careful rendering of Mitsuhide's distinctive features and warrior bearing.
More Prints by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
More Kabuki Prints
Kabuki Theater
歌舞伎
Woodblock print
Onoe Shoroku II as the tattooed villain Danshichi
1955
Woodblock print
View of Kabuki Theater from Matsuya (Ginza Matsuya yori Kabukiza), no. 3 from the series "Pictures of Ginza, First Series (Gashu Ginza dai isshu)"
1928
Color lithograph
Distant View of Mitsukoshi Movie Theater in Shinjuku from the Sixth Floor of Hoteiya (Hoteiya rokkai kara Shinjuku Mitsukoshi Musashi no kan enbo zu), no. 1 from the series "Scenery of Shinjuku (Gashu Shinjuku fukei)"
1930
Color lithograph
Frequently Asked Questions
Actor Bandō Shinsui as Takechi Mitsuhide was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in 1865, 6th lunar month.
Actor Bandō Shinsui as Takechi Mitsuhide depicts kabuki.
Actor Bandō Shinsui as Takechi Mitsuhide measures 36 × 24.3 cm (Oban format).